What’s Holding You Back from Biblical Education?

Education has been a crucial aspect of human development for thousands of years, and the Bible provides a rich understanding of what education should look like. The Bible views education as a means of developing the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. It teaches us that true education involves not only acquiring knowledge but also the development of wisdom, character, and a deep understanding of God and His ways.

The Bible places a high value on knowledge and understanding. In Proverbs 4:7, we read, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” We’re encouraged to pursue knowledge and understanding, but we’re also warned that knowledge without wisdom and character can be dangerous. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” True education, then, begins with a deep reverence for God and a willingness to learn from Him.

Education in the Bible is not limited to the classroom. It is a lifelong pursuit that involves all aspects of life. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 says, “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down, and when you get up.” That’s exactly where a Teach Them Diligently, Heart Schooling view of home education comes from. We recognize that education should take place in those in-between moments in our homes as well as during the times we’re focused on academic pursuits.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of parents in the education of their children. In Deuteronomy 11:19, we read, “Teach [these commandments] to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Parents have a responsibility to teach their children about God and His ways, to instill in them a love for learning and a desire for wisdom, and to help them develop a strong character.

For some parents, this desire to teach their children can get all muddied as they struggle to separate what they believe they’re called to do from what they’ve always known school to look like. Because of this inner struggle, some parents even find that the act of homeschooling becomes a hindrance to building deeper relationships with their children rather than the amazing tool it should be. (That’s actually what David and Leslie talked about on the podcast this past week. Click here to listen to that episode now.)

Finally, the Bible teaches that education is not an end but a means to an end. Education should ultimately lead us to a deeper understanding of God and His ways and to a life of service to Him. As we learn more about God, we should be motivated to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to others. Colossians 3:23-24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

The Bible provides a rich understanding of what education should look like. True education involves not only the acquisition of knowledge but also the development of wisdom, character, and a deep understanding of God and His ways. Education should take place in all aspects of life, and parents and teachers have a great responsibility to lead students to a deeper understanding of God and His ways. Ultimately, education should lead us to a life of service to God as we seek to honor Him in all that we do.
We invite you to join us each week on the podcast and through the articles here as we deepen our understanding of Biblical home education and how it looks within our families.

Leave a Reply