Proverbs as a Model for Education
The book of Proverbs offers a wealth of information for both the learner and the teacher. Multiple times throughout the text, the author refers to the learner (often the child) heeding the advice from the teacher (often the parent). Chapters two through seven begin with an exhortation to sons, challenging them to heed the counsel from their fathers. Each exhortation leads to a pronouncement of gaining wisdom and understanding if the son will obey his father’s teachings. Through this acquisition of knowledge, the student learns that, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (1:7).” Numerous times throughout Proverbs, the author mentions the importance of acquiring knowledge and understanding, and how it begins with the fear of the Lord (1:29, 2:5, 3:7, 8:13, 9:10, 19:23). As the learner understands that, “the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom (15:33),” he is able to comprehend other duties required as an active learner. These other duties include: seeking discernment (1:5, 3:21, 14:6, 17:24, 18:15), heeding wisdom (2:1, 4:13), seeking understanding (2:3, 4:5, 8:14, 19:8, 23:12, 28:5), and guarding his heart (4:23, 21:2).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
Proverbs 3:5-6
in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
The process of integrating teaching and learning into the formation of an overall reality is explained specifically in three separate verses: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight (3:5-6),” “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans (16:3),” and “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown (4:7-9).” These verses illustrate the importance of not only gaining knowledge and understanding, but applying it to daily living. Wisdom is found in seeking God in all things, both large and small. As the teacher instructs the learner to seek wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, it is through the process of daily living that these character traits will be developed. Thus, the teacher and the learner are charged with the same goals: to begin with the fear of the Lord and to seek wisdom above all other things.
Opposing wise counsel is often termed “foolish” throughout Proverbs. The fool is set against the wise, and is described with numerous descriptions. Fools are explained to: hate knowledge (1:22), be complacent (1:32), bring grief to his mother or father (10:1, 17:25, 19:13), be hot-heated, reckless, or quick-tempered (14:16, 22:24-25), be lazy (19:15, 24:30-34, 26:13-16), a gossiper (20:19, 26:20-22), and prideful (25:6-7, 28:26). The wise person is continuously advised to avoid any interaction with a fool (21:9, 21:19, 22:24-25, 23:9).
Wisdom is sought from a heart of purity and truth.
Above all, wisdom is considered to be the wellspring of life and lives in the true nature of the wise person’s heart (4:22-23). Solomon stated in chapter fourteen, verse thirty-three, “Wisdom reposes in the heart of the discerning and even among fools she lets herself by known.” Wisdom is sought from a heart of purity and truth, and anyone desiring wisdom should ask God for it. As chapter two explains: we must accept God’s commands (2:1), tune our ears toward wisdom (2:2), and ask God for wisdom and understanding (2:3). This should be the goal of all believers.
