Education in Bible Times
Most of the time, children were taught from home by their parents. We do see instances in Bible times of children being sent to a school, as in Daniel. Daniel was in the king’s court. In Bible times it was only the nobility that received special education, this would be equivalent to going off to college.
4. 2 Timothy 3:15 “And that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.”
5. Daniel 1:5 “The king appointed for them a daily ration from the king’s choice food and from the wine which he drank, and appointed that they should be educated three years, at the end of which they were to enter the king’s personal service.”
6. Daniel 1:3-4 “Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians.”
7. Proverbs 1:8 “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
8. Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
The Importance of Wisdom
The Bible says that having knowledge simply isn’t enough. Knowledge is knowing facts about things. But Wisdom is given by God.
Wisdom has three aspects: knowledge about the Truth of God, Understanding God’s Truth, and How to Apply God’s Truth. Wisdom is more than just following “the rules.” It implies acting according to the spirit of God’s Commands and not just looking for a loophole. With wisdom comes a will and the courage to follow through with living by God’s wisdom.
9. Ecclesiastes 7:19 “Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten rulers of the city.”
10. Ecclesiastes 9:18 “Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.”
11. Proverbs 4:13 “Take hold of instruction, do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life.”
12. Colossians 1:28 “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.”
13. Proverbs 9:10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
14. Proverbs 4:6-7 “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
15. Proverbs 3:13 “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding.”
16. Proverbs 9:9 “Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.”
17. Proverbs 3:14 “For her profit is better than the profit of silver and her gain better than fine gold.”
Always Put the Lord First
Wisdom is putting the Lord as our primary priority. It is seeking His will in all that we think and does and say. We will see the world as God sees it, and conduct our affairs with a gospel focus through wisdom.
18. Proverbs 15:33 “The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.”
19. Psalm 119:66 “Teach me good discernment and knowledge, for I believer in your commandments.”
20. Job 28:28 “Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.”
21. Psalm 107:43 “Whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord.”
Studying Hard
The Bible says that studying is very important. The Bible teaches that it is important to acquire knowledge and that we need to work hard and become good at handling His Word. We are also commanded to do all things for His glory – this includes studying. Studying in school can be just as glorifying to God as singing a hymn if it is done rightly.
22. Proverbs 18:15 “The mind of the prudent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
23. 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
24. Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
25. Joshua 1:8 “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”