January 27, 2023
Bishop, W. F. Houston, Jr.
*C H O F Ministry Bible Study Reading: Proverbs 1:1–9
**C H O F Ministry Focal Verse:
Proverbs 1:5 - Let the wise listen and add to their learning.

The English poet John Milton wrote in 1644 about education from a Christian perspective, saying,
"The end, then, of learning is to repair the ruins of our first parents by regaining to know God aright, and out of that knowledge to love him, to imitate him, to be like him, as we may the nearest, by possessing our souls of true virtue, which, being united to the heavenly grace of faith, makes up the highest perfection."
The pursuit of godliness serves as both our inspiration and our end goal regarding education and enlightenment. In light of this, we shouldn't approach it as a tedious obligation but rather as a compelling yearning - in the same manner that we're supposed to "hunger and thirst after righteousness" (Matt. 5:6). But flaws in character, such as pride and sloth, stand in the way.
The question now is, where do we start? The proverb states, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge" (Prov. 1:7). Why? Because God is the one who created everything. He made it all! As a result, He's the source of all knowledge. Therefore, a good connection with Him is the foundation for all learning, just as godliness is the ultimate goal of all education. It differs from how humans think of learning and education, typically centered around gaining a job, advancing their social status, and securing their financial futures.
What more about knowledge do these first few passages of Proverbs convey to us? We can see that all other virtues—like insight, impartiality, morality, and responsibility—are built upon the foundation of knowledge and comprehension (vv. 3–4). In addition, we observe that education is a lifelong pursuit; intelligent people are always open to gaining new insights and expanding their knowledge (v. 5). They have never actually "arrived." Wisdom can be distinguished from idiocy and immaturity by this method (v. 7). In conclusion, our parents are our first teachers, and we owe them respect because they are our first educational resource (vv. 8–9).
* Beloved, to love God, as we are told, requires us to use both our emotional and intellectual faculties (Luke 10:27). Spiritual education encompasses more than simply one's thinking, yet this does not make it any less critical. Learning is loving combined with submission!
Let Us Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, because we follow the God of Truth, learning and knowledge hold a high significance. You are the one who formed our minds, and we bow down to You as the creator of them. Refine our thoughts, instruct us to perceive how everything is connected to You, and give us the ability to do so.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.