In a vision to the prophet Daniel, it was revealed that at the time of the end, many would go to and fro, and that knowledge would be increased. Today, we can see that this prophecy has clearly come to pass.

We now possess more knowledge and advanced capabilities than all those who came before; those of ancient times would marvel over the advancements of modern civilization. Today’s means of communication, manufacturing, and rapid transportation have made it possible to transfer all manner of goods and services around the world in ways that would astound all of humanity, past to present.

However, absent the knowledge of God, worldly knowledge puffs up and increases pride. With knowledge comes power, and with power comes the tendency for men to turn from God to trust in themselves. In the eyes of the ungodly, belief in God is an obstacle to advancement and an enemy of knowledge.

Insulating themselves in the physical realm of worldly knowledge, ambitious men forsake spiritual knowledge in pursuit of worldly gain, only believing in what can be observed or measured. They cannot comprehend the existence of the invisible realm that exists beyond their understanding.

Equating the increase in worldly knowledge with progress, those who are carnally minded move farther from the undiscoverable, invisible axioms of God. As it is written, “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)

Materialists dismiss the reality that it is imperative for invisible, absolute principles to exist as a foundation before their physical counterparts can be manifest in material forms. Neither can the invisible things that remain to be made manifest be seen by those of a materialistic persuasion; they are hidden from detection by physical means and science, for they are spiritual in nature, abiding outside the physical realm.

Thus, the worldly wise dismiss the existence of spiritual things by framing all things within their finite conceits. Attempting to reason away faith with explanations of their inventions, they become fools, as it is written, “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness” (Job 5:13).

There are different kinds of knowledge, but above all worldly knowledge is the eternal truth that existed before the world and the creation of all things that followed.

There is more quintessential knowledge in one eternal truth than in all worldly knowledge, for the things of this world will pass away, and there is no knowledge that did not already exist before it was made manifest in creation.

The most esteemed men of science academia, or any others admired for their vast worldly knowledge, are nothing in comparison to the young shepherd boy in the wilderness who knew God and cried out, “O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.” “Thou through thy commandments, hast made me wiser than mine enemies, for they are ever with me.” “I have more understanding than all my teachers; for thy testimonies are my meditation.” “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” (Psalm 119:97-100)

Quintessential knowledge is knowing God. If artificial intelligence surpasses the minds of all men a hundred thousand times over in speed and capacity, it will never possess the truth; it has no spirit; no matter how much information it may accumulate about Him, it cannot know Him.

Neither the knowledge of godless men nor manufactured simulations of advanced intelligence will be able to detect or surpass the knowledge revealed only by knowing God—such knowledge is known and given by God alone, the Revealer of hidden truth whose secrets are revealed to those who know Him. All others are locked out of the knowledge of the truth, whether it be the most learned among men or the highest level of artificial intelligence.

There is no true knowledge other than the eternal knowledge possessed by God and gifted to those who seek him diligently. All other knowledge is temporal and vain.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)