The early generation, our pious predecessors (may Allah be pleased with them), travelled very long distances to collect and verify hadiths. This, in itself, shows you the importance of knowledge in religion.
Here are 5 benefits of seeking knowledge as quoted from the hadiths:
Benefit Number 1
The scholars are the inheritors of the Prophets. The Prophets do not leave gold or silver coins to be inherited but leave knowledge.
Whoever takes from that has taken an abundant share.
Benefit Number 2
Everything in the heavens and the earth seeks forgiveness for the scholar, even the fish in the sea.
Benefit Number 3
The virtue of the scholar over the worshipper is like the full moon over all the other planets.
Benefit Number 4
Whoever treads a path in search of knowledge, Allah makes easy for him a path towards paradise.
Benefit Number 5
The angels lower their wings out of approval for the student of knowledge.
Reference:
Dar As-Sunnah Classic Collection – Inheritors of the Prophets by Ibn Rajab Al Hanbali