Knowledge of good can never lead to death, but only life. We die because of lack of knowledge. Our eyes are open knowing good and evil, but if our eye focuses on good knowledge we will avoid the evil eye focus of evil knowledge seeking for selfish ends. On the other hand, responding to what our ears hear leads to blind faith and following when sight and knowledge is not used. Faith(trust) comes from hearing(responding) and hearing from the word(containing knowledge) of God. Our eyes move but our ears do not. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil gives us sight and experience of good and evil and the choice of what to look at and what purpose to seek.
This perspective draws on profound biblical principles, tying together the relationship between sight, hearing, knowledge, and faith. Let’s examine key points within this framework:
1. Knowledge and Life vs. Death
- Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
This verse affirms that ignorance of God’s will and truth leads to spiritual death, while knowledge rooted in God fosters life and growth. - The tree of the knowledge of good and evil introduced both awareness and the burden of choice. Misusing this knowledge by focusing on evil leads to death (Genesis 2:17), but when knowledge is used to discern and pursue good, it aligns with life (Proverbs 3:18).
2. The Role of Vision (Eyes)
- The eyes represent perception and intentional focus.
- Matthew 6:22-23: “The eye is the lamp of the body… If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”
Fixing our gaze on good knowledge leads to spiritual clarity and life, while an “evil eye” (selfish or corrupt focus) darkens our understanding and leads to sin. - The choice lies in what we focus on—whether to dwell on good knowledge, which edifies, or evil knowledge, which corrupts.
3. The Role of Hearing (Ears)
- Hearing symbolizes receptivity and obedience, but without discernment, it can lead to blind following.
- Romans 10:17: “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”
True faith arises when hearing is informed by God’s Word, leading to trust based on knowledge and understanding, not mere blind obedience. - Ears are stationary, signifying the need for intentional listening and discernment. Hearing God’s Word offers guidance, but it must harmonize with the light gained through spiritual sight.
4. Faith and Knowledge Together
Faith (trust) and knowledge are not opposites but complement each other:
- 2 Peter 1:5-7: “Add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge…”
Faith provides a foundation of trust in God, while knowledge sharpens discernment, helping believers to focus on what is good and avoid the path of evil.
- Without knowledge, faith can become blind and misdirected, leading to spiritual stagnation. Conversely, knowledge without faith can lead to arrogance or despair.
5. The Tree of Knowledge as a Symbol of Choice
- The tree of the knowledge of good and evil gave humans the ability to discern and choose between good and evil. This capacity is essential for moral responsibility.
- God desires that we use this knowledge to choose good (Deuteronomy 30:19), reflecting His character of love and truth.
By focusing on good knowledge and rejecting the “evil eye,” we align our will with God’s, allowing His Spirit to guide our sight and choices.
Conclusion
To truly live, we must seek and focus on knowledge that leads to good, informed by God’s Word. This focus on life-giving knowledge illuminates our path, while blind faith without discernment or pursuing selfish ends leads to destruction. Through prayer, Scripture, and the Spirit, we can keep our eyes on the light and walk by faith with understanding.