Knowledge

The Pope speaks about a matter that occupies people, and he explains that God gave the mind so that we know what benefits us — not knowledge for the sake of curiosity or boasting, but knowledge that leads to good and to the salvation of the soul and others.

The Danger of Harmful Knowledge
He mentioned that there is knowledge that harms when it enters a person (like knowledge of evil), causing him to lose his simplicity and innocence, and it may be stored in the subconscious and appear as dreams or thoughts that harm feelings, senses and relationships.

Care to Purify the Mind
He warned against filling the mind with vain and false information (rumors, gossip, scandals), because they give birth to suspicions and doubts and steal psychological purity. A person must scrutinize what he reads, hears and sees and the sources of his knowledge.

Types of Knowledge and Their Sources
He distinguished between sensory, intellectual and spiritual knowledge (a divine revelation). True spiritual knowledge comes from God by the Holy Spirit and helps to perceive His ways and understand His will, while knowledge obtained from magic, soothsayers or pagan consultations is considered detestable abominations.

Effect of Knowledge on Behavior and Spirit
Good knowledge bears fruit in wisdom and discernment and leads to the salvation of the soul. Harmful knowledge tempts by experience leading to addiction or habits that are not easily removed (like tobacco and drugs) and weakens the will.

Responsibility to Use Talents and Knowledge
The Pope called for using the mind and talents in what serves the salvation of oneself and others — not for pride or social elevation. He who knows more is asked more, and whoever has abilities should use them for good (teaching, encouragement, consolation, material and spiritual sharing).

Practical Wisdom and Spiritual Purification
He advised contemplative knowledge and prayer so the person may hear God’s voice in his heart, and to learn about oneself (weaknesses and spiritual battles) to guard against pride and sin. He also urged parents to know their children’s personalities for correct spiritual upbringing.

Conclusion: Choosing Beneficial Knowledge
The summary: the pursuit of knowledge is not detached from the salvation of the soul; choose what benefits you and prepares you for eternity, avoid harmful knowledge and polluting sources, and seek knowledge of God and His ways so that a person’s life becomes a fruitful spiritual blessing.

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