How much do you know? Today’s world has an expert for just about everything. There are experts for retirement funds, heart disease, diesel mechanics, and the history of the Roman Empire. You name it, and there’s probably an expert for it. But how much do these experts actually know? Was the historian there to witness the events that he studies? Can a doctor treat every illness or help every condition? Can a financial advisor truly know the future of the stock market? The obvious answer to all these questions is no. These experts must look at the most reliable data and come to the best conclusion. But a good expert will admit that he or she can be wrong at times. Our knowledge is limited. It’s impossible for us to know everything. But the Bible reveals that God is all-knowing.
Omniscience is the fancy term that refers to the truth that God is all-knowing. It’s a combination of the Latin words for all and knowledge. God is omniscient. He knows everything. There is no limit or end to His knowledge. He never learns, and He never forgets. He knows everything about everything. He knows all things because He created all things. King David’s words in Psalm 139 reveal this truth. He writes,
O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.
God knows our thoughts, words, and actions. He knows everything we have ever done and will do. He knows everything we won’t do. He knows everything we could do. He knows every possibility, probability, and actuality. He knows all things simultaneously. Unlike you and I, God doesn’t have to call to mind or remember anything. How does God know all this? Because He created knowledge. All knowledge has its origin in Him. How do we know that 2+2=4? Ultimately, the answer is because God said so.
This infinite knowledge of God may seem frightening. We all have secrets. We all have said and done things that we don’t want anyone to know about. But the fact is, God knows. You can’t keep secrets from God. Although this might make you feel exposed, it’s a very comforting reality. When David said that God laid His hand on him, it was a sign of endearment. For example, when a parent lays their hand on a crying baby to calm them, or when a dad gives his son a pat on the back to say good job. It’s a gesture of love. God uses His infinite knowledge to care for us. Despite knowing all of our deepest flaws, God still loves us. He still wants us! No one else can love you like God because no one else knows you like God.
David concludes by saying, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.” God’s knowledge is so far beyond us that we can’t even scratch its surface. His knowledge cannot be quantified. The highest IQ cannot compare with God. His knowledge is infinite. We tend to forget things, but God never forgets. And the amazing truth is He uses His knowledge for our good and His glory. The God who knows everything cares about you. So our response should be to surrender to His wisdom. He always knows best. So we should listen to His Word. We should obey His commands. The essence of foolishness is thinking that you know better than God. So don’t be a fool. Trust the Perfect Expert of all knowledge.