The Importance of Education within the Bible

This week we have a special treat for you! I am excited to share with you some thoughts on education and the Bible from one of our local pastors, Josh Shelton.

Josh is the pastor at Park Place Church in Oregon City. With the love of education running strong in his family line, Josh holds a Masters of Divinity from Multnomah Biblical Seminary with a concentration in Spiritual Formation. He also has a double Bachelor of Science degree from Multnomah University in Bible/Theology and Youth Ministry.

I have appreciated getting to know him through our partnership with his church and enjoyed getting to work with him on this post. I hope you learn something and grow in your understanding of education and God’s heart for it. Be sure to leave a comment on our blog page when this posts tomorrow morning!

By Josh Shelton

Time and again, research has proven the incredible power of education to break poverty cycles and economically empower individuals from the most marginalized communities with dignified work and upward social mobility.¹

Research shows that education helps bring people out of poverty, or at least it should. Missionaries from around the world tell us that education to communities ravaged by poverty and occult-like behavior are transformed as education is introduced into their culture. Education might not be welcomed at first, but once the results are seen, everyone becomes a believer.

Education is one of the most transformative tools available for individuals and communities. Education opens doors, breaks barriers, and addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including poverty. But is education just a practical need, or is it something deeper, something rooted in biblical principles?

The Bible contains passages that highlight the value of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The Bible teaches that gaining knowledge is important for personal growth, moral development, and biblical social justice. Learning helps us become better individuals and supports fairness in society.

Proverbs 4:7 says, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” This verse shows that gaining wisdom and knowledge is very important and requires effort and sacrifice. Similarly, Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” These passages highlight that education involves gaining practical skills and developing moral and spiritual awareness. According to the Bible, wisdom means understanding God’s will and learning how to use it in everyday life.

Proverbs warns us not to ignore learning. It encourages people to seek wisdom and guidance as these are essential for a fulfilling and responsible life. Throughout Christian history, believers picked up this wisdom by having a principle that states, “Faith seeks understanding.” This little mantra is attributed to St. Anselm of Canterbury. It transformed the medieval church and even today helps us understand that our faith in Jesus prompts us to start going deeper to understand our faith and relationship with the Lord. Historically, the Church has advocated for greater education in the faith, which then prompts education into other areas as well. Christians are people who strive for knowledge and wisdom and to give that understanding to others.

The Bible talks about the problems caused by a lack of knowledge, which can lead to oppression and poverty. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” This verse criticizes the priests for not teaching the people how to worship God. Because of this ignorance, the people acted wrongly and faced destruction. Today, we can see how this applies. When people lack basic skills in math, science, history, or reading, it creates serious problems for themselves and for society. However, equipping individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities gives them the tools to rise out of poverty and contribute to their communities. Ultimately, education enables people to make better choices, access resources, and create opportunities for themselves and future generations.

From a biblical perspective, education is not merely a tool for personal advancement, but also a means to serve others. When we educate others, we help them live in accordance with God’s will, equipping them to overcome obstacles, and live lives of purpose and service.

God calls us to a life of both spiritual and practical knowledge. Wisdom and understanding are essential in addressing the world’s problems, including poverty. When we educate people in schools and throughout society, we help build a world where knowledge, justice, and opportunity can grow. This world reflects God’s wish for everyone to thrive. Education is a strong tool for changing people and society, helping to end poverty and injustice.

¹ Zubair Junjunia, “The Transformative Power of Education in the Fight Against Poverty,” United Nations Development Programme, October 16, 2023, https://www.undp.org/blog/transformative-power-education-fight-against-poverty.