Doesn’t the Bible Say to Not Study So Much?

Question of the week: You call us to pursue knowledge in many different disciplines. I am concerned about Ecclesiastes 12:12, which warns us that “much study wearies the body.” What is your opinion?

My answer: I believe the answer is implied in the biblical definition of faith and in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 which states, “But test them all. Hold on to what is good.” The biblical definition of faith is acting upon what one has established to be true.        

I know many people who accumulate knowledge and truth but never act upon or apply the knowledge and truth that they gain. Eventually, such accumulation of knowledge becomes wearisome and can result in unhappiness, depression, and even mental illness. However, if one acts upon truth that one has gained in a positive manner, there is much benefit, including a capacity to gain yet more truth. For example, it is a tragedy for a scientist to spend his whole life gaining knowledge about the natural realm and in that quest to never consider the philosophical implications of that knowledge and, consequently, never gain an eternal, loving relationship with his Creator.