Back to School
Your beginnings will seem humble, so prosperous will your future be. (Job 8:7)
From the age of three-to-four years old, education is a part of your life. Whether you are a student, teacher, member of the support staff or parent, the beginning of the school year is always a new opportunity. Some may feel anxious, nervous, excited and that is okay: it’s a stressful and amazing time of the year. But as you dust off your books and prepare your backpacks, don’t forget your bible and the teachings you receive from the great teacher, Yeshua (Matthew 4:23).
The Bible is filled with verses that present the good that comes with being educated. Proverbs 18:15 says that “an intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge”. The knowledge is that you acquire during your lifetime, no matter the source is meant to be guarded, for it is your life (Proverbs 4:13). Knowledge comes from Yahweh, and “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5). Knowledge is life, guidance and wisdom: those who continuously strive for it, become better as a person and continue to walk with Yahweh.
There are many places that one is supposed to learn from; the Bible details three of them. Yahweh is the first teacher. We are meant to learn from Him and understand His ways (Psalms 24:4 - 5). It is why we have His word, search within them to find eternal life (John 5:39). The second source of knowledge and wisdom that is given to us is our parents. Parents are meant to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). The third source and final source of education comes from schools and institutions. In Yeshua’s times, the modern concept of schools did not exist, but there was the concept of apprenticeship, of teacher and disciple. Hence, why the Bible says “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40). This works so that you may be who the Lord wants you to be as a person.
However, with everything that can be said about knowledge in the Bible, it also presents the pitfalls. The servant who is the most versed in this would’ve been Solomon, who notoriously speaks of this twice: the first time is in Ecclesiastes 1:18, when he says “The greater my wisdom, the greater my grief. To increase knowledge only increases sorrow.” He reiterates that statement not too long after in the same book, chapter 12:12, saying “Be careful, for writing books is endless, and much study wears you out.” What Solomon is saying is that the amassing of knowledge is good, but means nothing if you guard yourself from the love of Yahweh and those who care for you.
Therefore, as you take this time and begin this new journey in your education, do not forget to take time to rest from your studies. Remember the seventh day - the Sabbath - as a time of observance and rest for Yahweh, as you have spent your days studying and working (Exodus 20:8 - 11). Take time to spend with your family as well, as those who do not are worse than non-believers; they cannot show love to Yahweh, or the love of Yahweh, if those closest to them cannot live it (1 Timothy 5:8). Your education is important, but the people in your life, and your GOD, the Holy One of Israel, should take precedence.