The year was very early 1986; this was my first computer, a Commodore 128 (an upgrade as compared to the ubiquitous Commodore 64). As the name implies, 128K of memory, a tape drive for programs, a small TV for a monitor and an Epson printer (check out the paper that has holes on the sides). Ancient history- South River, N.J.. This setup is laughable today, but back then, boy was it something!!! After this I went on to an IBM-PC and 13 computers later, here I sit in front of my Ubuntu operating system run, System-76 all-in-one (with 16 gigabites of Ram and a 21" screen). And my setup is nothing compared to the top of the line personal computers that have at least 64-128 gigabites of ram, faster, bigger hard drives and water-cooled towers. Think of it- 128k to 128 gig and it only to about 30 years to get there!!!
The point is that the world of personal computers has opened up to the average person. We can do things with today's personal computers that would have seemed like science fiction when I graduated from high school in 1967. For me, the personal computer has made Bible Study awesome. But sometimes, I JUST HAVE TO ACTUALLY OPEN A PAPER BIBLE TO STUDY- JUST FOR THE FEEL OF IT!!!! The word of God is the same, the way I use it is just different. I imagine this is how the early Christians must have felt when they made the transition from scrolls to codexes (books). Occasionally, one may have had the urge to open a scroll from time to time! Note: see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Codex for more information regarding the codex.
Knowledge is knowledge no matter how you obtain it, but genuine knowledge, when applied properly becomes wisdom. But what are genuine knowledge and wisdom? Read on...
Proverbs, Chapter 1 (WEB)
1 The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel:
2 to know wisdom and instruction;
to discern the words of understanding;
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young man:
5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
6 to understand a proverb, and parables,
the words and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
2 to know wisdom and instruction;
to discern the words of understanding;
3 to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 to give prudence to the simple,
knowledge and discretion to the young man:
5 that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning;
that the man of understanding may attain to sound counsel:
6 to understand a proverb, and parables,
the words and riddles of the wise.
7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge;but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.
Fearing God (Yahweh, as the WEB translation uses HIS MEMORIAL NAME) is the beginning of real knowledge and eventually wisdom. And if God is understood correctly and properly respected and obeyed; then eternal blessings are the result. Just think of it- you will never have to upgrade your system, for God is perfect, complete, all powerful, all knowing, etc.. End of story, period!!!!