By way of contrast, in my tradition, knowledge is considered a good thing, and consequently we would not think that being kept from knowledge was a sign of God's favor.
But I see more and more how your tradition differs in its valuation of knowledge and reason. NO wonder conversation is so difficult!
Another fragmented thought that challenges a position no one holds.
From another thread...
This renovation is said to be not in knowledge, much less by knowledge, but unto knowledge, so that he knows. Knowledge is the effect of the renovation spoken of.""In opposition to (Rome,) Hodge, following the lead of Calvin, stresses the fact that the whole set of sinful man needs to be renewed by the power of the Holy Spirit. The natural man must be "renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him" (Col. 3:10)...