1 Corinthians 8:1
Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.
Knowledge by itself inflates its possessor with pride, while unselfish love builds others up. Even a little knowledge is no cause for pride, for knowledge comes from the Lord. True knowledge rests on unselfishness, humility, and love for one another, so criticism and division show that those qualities are lacking.
Knowledge that is not sanctified becomes destructive; the right kind is imparted by God and directed to His glory, and the intellect must be sanctified so that knowledge serves God and helps others instead of leading its owner astray. Intellectual ability without goodness of heart can become a power for evil. Education without the uplifting power of Christ and the refining influence of His grace and sanctifying power gives no advantage, but leaves the learned proud, vain, and bigoted in the home and in the church.
The verse does not condemn gaining knowledge, for learning and intellectual growth are privileges that make people more capable of honoring and glorifying God when pursued humbly and under Christ's guidance. Much knowledge does not elevate a person in God's sight. What makes a humble human life noble, pure, and like Christ's is having the living breath of the Holy Spirit, being daily crucified with Christ and daily sharing His sufferings, and it is this that wins souls to the truth. In God's sight the one who shows childlike simplicity and Christlike humility is great, and the one who is most nearly a child in faith, trust, and devotion is highest in the kingdom.