In the Book of Samuel and the Book of Job, Jesus is described as “a God of knowledge” and a God who is “perfect in knowledge.” (1 Samuel 2:3; Job 37:16). These verses describe Jesus as having knowledge of all things both in heaven and on earth.

When Jesus fasted forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, He was tempted by the devil three times and He rebuked the devil using the scriptures. It was Jesus Christ’s knowledge that caused the tempter’s snare to fail. We learn from this account that Satan cannot contest with what has been written in the scriptures because they are true. Therefore, knowledge of the scriptures gives us power to resist temptation.

In 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon, Jesus commands us to be like Him, “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” To become like Him, we must be perfect in knowledge. One of the things that we are counseled to do is to gain knowledge that profits us both in this life and the life to come.

We need two kinds of learning in this life—spiritual and secular. We are counseled to expand our knowledge in both. However, it has been written, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). We are counseled that spiritual learning must take precedence for “the words of Christ will tell [us] all things what [we] should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). When we understand the words of the Lord, we will be directed to principles, books, and experiences of great importance. As we strive in finding the treasures of both secular and spiritual knowledge, we will be inspired by the Spirit to search them diligently.

We are also counseled by the prophets to take advantage of the opportunity of education that we may be better able to serve others. Education helps and equips us to develop our talents and abilities, provide for our families and those who are in need, and fulfill our responsibilities anywhere we are called to serve.

We have been promised that “[w]hatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:18). Our pursuit of spiritual and secular knowledge does not only bring great rewards in this life but also blessings of immeasurable worth in the life to come.