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“Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom; and with all thy getting get understanding”
“Proverbs 4:7”
Baccalaureate Sunday is the day when we acknowledge the work of the Lord in our graduates from middle school, high school, college and graduate school. It gives us a moment to lift up the importance that the Lord places on education in the building of His kingdom, in transforming our community and in developing our human character.
The Bible contains numerous scriptures which implore us to be educated. Proverbs 1:7 says “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”. Proverbs 2:7 reminds us “that God layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; He is a buckler to them that walk uprightly”. II Timothy 2:15 reminds us to “study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of Truth”
Proverbs 10:21 teaches us that the lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for the lack of wisdom. Proverbs 16:16 lets us know “how much better is it to get wisdom than to get gold and to get understanding rather than silver”. Proverbs 24:14 also mentions that “so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul; when thou has found it, then there shall be reward and thy expectation shall not be cut off”. Proverbs 3:13 states “happy is the man that findeth wisdom and the man that gets understanding”. Finally, Proverbs 2:10 reminds us “that when wisdom entereth into thy heart and knowledge it is pleasant to unto your soul.”
Not only does the Bible place a great importance upon education, but all human civilization places it at the highest places of human endeavor. The great African- American scientist George Washington Carver said that education was the “key to unlock the golden door of wisdom”. Political leaders such as Bill Gray said that “nothing is more powerful and liberating than knowledge”. Former President Lyndon Johnson said “at the desk where I sit, I have learned one great truth. The answer to our nation’s problems, the answer to the world’s problems are found in one word: education”. Former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.
What is interesting about all of these people is that they started with less wealth influence and power than we have right now. But because they grabbed the instruments of education they have grown to be some of the most powerful and influential people of the last century and this century, they managed to transform their own lives, the lives of their communities , and the citizens of their nations and the people of the world. When you grab a hold of education you have the same opportunity. Take full advantage of the opportunity that is before you to change your life, the people of your community and the world.