Got Wisdom?

Got Wisdom?

Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:3-6

It’s amazing what people will do to ensure a quality education for their children. Some parents move to a different neighborhood. Others take on a second job to pay for private school. Then they spend hours helping with homework. If these types of sacrifices produce quality education, then where does that leave the Amish?

To mainstream Americans who place a premium on higher education, an Amish education might raise an eyebrow. To our way of thinking, it might seem limited and restrictive. Unmarried young Amish women—without college training—teach in small, parochial schools. Amish schools use a limited amount of material in the classroom—they have created their own readers, workbooks, and texts. They stress accuracy rather than speed, drill rather than variety, proper sequence rather than critical thinking skills.

Yet illiteracy is virtually nonexistent in Amish settlements. Without television and computers, they read more than most Americans. They have a remarkable ability to learn new skills—even complicated ones—and value lifelong learning. Amish parents are heavily involved in their children’s education: they donate the land and building supplies for the school, visit regularly, attend school events, and take turns caring for the facilities. . . .

And here’s a note to end on that will inspire you to turn off the TV and read to your kids: Amish children in the eighth grade gave a more positive rating to their families than did non-Amish children.

Any teacher will tell you that a parent’s commitment to lifelong learning makes the biggest difference. And any wise man or woman will tell you that even more important than seeking a good education is seeking God’s wisdom. You don’t need to pay to get it. You don’t need to wear a uniform or work long hours on homework. Turn to His Word, and you will discover knowledge and understanding.

Dear heavenly Father, I desire knowledge and understanding. Thank You for offering it so freely!