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Proverbs 1:2-7 – The Importance of a Godly Education
What is the importance of a Christian education? As Christians we need a “Christian education.” As Christian parents we should strive to teach our children what we have learned from our studies. And as parents we should also emphasize the importance of getting our children to Bible Classes and to church services so that they can learn from other believers as well. But why? Obviously for spiritual education. But let’s begin by assessing the benefits of a worldly education in general, and then applying those benefits to a Christian education.
Nicholas Murray Butler gave five evidences of secular education:
- Correctness and precision of speech.
- Refined and gentle manners.
- The power and habit of reflection.
- The power of growth.
- The possession of efficiency – the power to do.
Each one of these fruit of education is borne through teaching, learning, and applying. Notice that these benefits go beyond what we learn, extending to who we become. Education is ultimately not about what we are studying, but what that studying does to us. The true “subject” of education is ourselves. If the above is true, then a Christian education aims for a higher ground of improving the individual – of improving the soul.
- Correctness and precision of speech (1 Corinthians 2:6-16)
A Christian education results in a betterment of our speech, both subtly and sublimely. The subtle result comes from spending much time immersing ourselves in a book that is great literature. Our mind is being filled with God’s words. But more importantly is the transcendent result – studying the Bible is studying God. Therefore our speech is raised to a sublime level because we are studying and therefore speaking of a sublime Being. Our conversation is changed by this profound concentration on God.
- Refined and gentle manners (Psalm 19:7-11)
One’s manner can be as mundane as the way in which something is done or as grandeur as the characteristic way in which somebody behaves (Encarta Dictionary). Refined and gentle manners are the result of being trained. Being trained is being changed. Being spiritually educated must have the goal of going beyond what we do, to who we are. We change how we act because we have changed who we are. Our manner of life is now meekness of spirit.
- The power and habit of reflection (James 1:21-25)
To reflect, literally, is to “bend back.” In the physical realm reflection needs light, an object (i.e., mirror) that can “bend” that light, and a subject set before that mirror. A Christian education – if it is more than just knowledge – encourages us to “bend back” by looking at and comparing ourselves by peering into the mirror through the Light who is Jesus. Being spiritually educated presents us with the opportunity to have Jesus (i.e., the Light), shine His Law (i.e., the mirror) onto our souls so that we might see what we spiritually look like. The Old Testament speaks of this as the concept of meditation. A Christian education bends us back to God.
- The power of growth (2 Peter 3:18)
According to Adler’s How to Read a Book, there are three reasons to read: (1) entertainment, (2) information, and (3) understanding. It is only this last reason that challenges us mentally to increase our comprehension. The purpose of learning is to grow in knowledge, to put aside our own misconceptions for a better understanding of truth. One cannot succeed unless one is willing to humbly accept the superiority of the author on the subject being read. Since God is superior in everyway, His truth sets us free to change, to grow. One cannot grow without changing. A Christian education gives us the tools, via learning about God, to become more like God, which is the ultimate challenge of spiritual growth. In changing, we grow.
- The possession of efficiency – the power to do (Ephesians 4:11-13)
Speech, manners, reflection, and growth are all subcategories of and steps to this last goal – the power to do. Learning can be self-edifying, and it can be shared. Knowledge is the power of being equipped. The reason we equip ourselves goes beyond ourselves enabling us to help others likewise attain the same benefits. A Christian education is sharing how we have become more spiritually efficient so that others can likewise be lifted up through the power that comes from true knowledge.
If our original query concerns the importance of a Christian education, and if the results are manifest and self-evident, then we are ready to proceed beyond the “what” (i.e., the importance of a Christian Education) and the “why” (i.e., the five benefits discussed) and focus on the “where.” Where can we find a Christian education? It should start in the home parent to child, and continue in the local church, Christian to Christian. Therefore, whenever and wherever the opportunity arises, whether in the home or church, being educated within Christian morals and mores benefits us by empowering us to live in this world while not being of this world. That is the importance of a Christian education.
Proverbs 1:2-7 NASB To know wisdom and instruction, To discern the sayings of understanding, (3) To receive instruction in wise behavior, Righteousness, justice and equity; (4) To give prudence to the naive, To the youth knowledge and discretion, (5) A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel, (6) To understand a proverb and a figure, The words of the wise and their riddles. (7) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.
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