The Beginning of Knowledge

     Education.  It’s something all of us need, and all of us use.  As we gain education, we also gain knowledge.  The Oxford University Press Dictionary defines knowledge as: 1. Information and skills acquired through experience or education.  2. The sum of what is known.  3. Awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

     We begin our journey of education, our input of knowledge at birth and continue the learning process throughout our life.  Someone very wise once told me ‘You should learn something new everyday.’  I’ve also heard ‘You’re never too old to learn something new’.

    The learning process is a growing process and there are a lot of good, practical reasons to make learning something new a part of your daily routine.  We are learning creatures, and the lifelong practice of learning is what makes us humans and our lives worthwhile.

     Here’s a few more down-to-earth benefits of learning and gaining knowledge:

          Learning makes us more confident.

         Learning deepens our character and makes us more inspiring to those around us.

         Learning instills an understanding of the historical, social, and natural processes that impact and limit our lives.

         A broad knowledge of unfamiliar situations feeds innovation by inspiring us to think creatively.

         Learning across a wide range of subjects gives us a range of perspectives to call on in our own narrow day-to-day areas of specialization.

         Learning helps us more easily and readily adapt to new situations.

     We have access to more information and knowledge today, at our finger tips, than most libraries could hold just a few short years ago.  At the touch of a screen of the click of a mouse, we have access to an entire world of knowledge, just waiting to be mined and absorbed by those seeking to enrich their lives and enhance the world around them.

     But like the author J.E. Dinger said, ‘Knowledge, like food must be digested and assimilated before it comes to life or gains force.  Mere learning is not wisdom, and pure knowledge is not necessarily vital energy.  Unless knowledge is converted to wisdom, into faculty, it will become like stagnant water.’

    That’s exactly what Solomon is telling us in Proverbs, 1:1-7.  Listen now to Solomon’s words of wisdom,

 1.  These are the proverbs of Solomon, David's son, king of Israel.

 2.  The purpose of these proverbs is to teach people wisdom and discipline, and to help them understand wise sayings.

 3.  Through these proverbs, people will receive instruction in discipline, good conduct, and doing what is right, just, and fair.

 4.  These proverbs will make the simpleminded clever. They will give knowledge and purpose to young people.

 5.  Let those who are wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. And let those who understand receive guidance

 6.  by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.

 7.  Fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Only fools despise wisdom and discipline.

     The beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord.  From there we take the education, the knowledge, and the skills we gain, and apply them in the way and manner which glorifies God and encourages and builds up our fellow man.

    Throughout the Book of Proverbs, Solomon reminds us of the value of having wisdom.  The type of wisdom which provides us with understanding, prudence and the ability to discern.   The wisdom which helps us apply our knowledge and experience and skills with precision toward productive, prosperous and honorable activities.

     Today we congratulate and celebrate the graduation of all of the other graduates of the Class of 2011.  May your journey of life be blessed as you continue your education in the coming months and years.

    To the rest of us, let us be reminded that our education should never end.  We would be wise to learn something new every day.  We would be wiser, as Solomon tells us to ‘listen to these proverbs. And let those who understand receive guidance by exploring the depth of meaning in these proverbs, parables, wise sayings, and riddles.’

    The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, and the gaining of wisdom begins with the Word of God.  From there, our journey of life begins to unfold and blossom before us.

     It is through our education, our knowledge and our wisdom that we are equipped to follow the path God has set before us.  It is through prayer and faith we find the way and have the strength to proceed, endure, and succeed.

     May you always try to learn something new everyday.  May you constantly seek God’s wisdom and guidance.  I pray you prosper in all good things you do.  Amen.