The Beginning of Knowledge

 

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7).

What is history apart from God? Is not history, as we find it in the Bible, the story of God’s redemptive plan throughout time, the amazing tale of His providence, mercy, and judgment in the affairs of men and of nations?

And what about geography? Is it aught else but a record of God appointing the bounds of each people’s habitation, by setting up one nation and putting down another, by extending the dominion of one people, and dividing that of another?

And what of economics? Does not the Bible itself teach us that God blesses those who trust and obey Him, but sends curses on those who do not? That the prosperity of the wicked will soon be cut off as the grass, but the righteous will be satisfied in times of famine?

God truly does intervene in the lives of men, and how can one teach these subjects without recognizing His work?

What are biology and science apart from God? Is not biology the exploration of His marvelous design in all of Creation? The world is filled with living testimonies of the everlasting God, the Lord, Maker of earth and all that is therein, who created it not in vain, but made it to be inhabited, and gives breath to all living things.

And does not studying science and the laws of nature, but give one further evidence of the absoluteness of the law of God? It is possible for God to suspend a law of nature, His ordinary course of proceeding, by walking on water, multiplying loaves, healing leprosy, etc. Is it not also possible for God to suspend the law of sin and death by mercifully forgiving us of our transgressions, and restoring us to eternal life with Him?

Apart from God, all learning is but meaningless, idle knowledge that edifies not, but only puffs up. By absorbing this information for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, 9 months of the year, for 13 years, each child in the government school system is learning that there is no God, or even if there is, He does not matter.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Lastly, what about socialization? Apart from God, is it anything more than foolish children following each other into folly and sin? Though God gives few commands directly to children, He does instruct them to flee youthful lusts, to honor and obey their parents, to respect their elders, and to learn from them. With age comes wisdom, wisdom that must be passed on to next generation. The older must be eager to share it, and the younger must be eager to receive it. This is healthy socialization.

Let us not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove that which is good, acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2).