Intellectual Development

The Bible presents no plan for teaching the three R’s or any of the other subjects that are today considered basic in elementary education. By no means does this imply that education was lacking among the Israelites in Bible times, but simply that the problem is not formally treated in the Scriptures. Isaiah refers to the ability of a child to write (Isaiah 10:19), and makes a distinction between one who “is learned” (literally, “knoweth letters”) and one who is not (Isaiah 29:11, 12). Jesus had not attended the schools of the Jews, so when He appeared before them obviously better educated than they, it amazed them, and they asked, “How knoweth this Man letters, having never learned?” John 7:15. The selection of such men as Daniel and his companions to receive training in the Babylonian schools indicates that they had already been well educated in their own land. “Sons of the prophets” were brought together in groups for educational purposes. 2 Kings 2:3-5; 4:38. In the Bible these groups are not called “schools of the prophets,” but it is easily recognizable that they served that purpose. Had we no other evidence of the high standard of Jewish education in ancient times, the quality of the writings of the prophets would be sufficient. Still recognized as masterpieces of literature entirely apart from their spiritual value, these writings could only have been the product of a people of considerable educational accomplishments.APAY 84.9

Church and civil government were one in ancient Israel. So, also, were religion and education. As it is viewed in the Bible, religion is not something added to life; it is life itself. Paul’s admonition in harmony with this principle is, “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Colossians 3:17. Life, for the genuine Christian, permits of no compartments in which he may separate his religion, his education, and his business. Thus the Bible recognizes only that education which acknowledges God as its author and His instruction as its basis. The Lord’s interest in this kind of education, and some of the principles it involves, are made clear in numerous Bible passages.APAY 85.1

Objectives. The aims of the Bible plan of education are well summarized in Solomon’s words as he tells of the objectives of the Proverbs. “To know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding; to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness and justice and equity; to give prudence to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion: that the wise man may hear, and increase in learning; and that the man of understanding may attain unto sound counsels.” Proverbs 1:2-5, A.R.V.APAY 85.2

Source: Proverbs 1:7. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.”APAY 86.1

Teacher: Isaiah 54:13. “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord.”APAY 86.2

Nature: James 3:17. “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated.”APAY 86.3

Spiritual Quality: Deuteronomy 6:6, 7. “These words ... shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.”APAY 86.4

Repeated: Deuteronomy 6:7. “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”APAY 86.5

Balanced: Luke 2:52. “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”APAY 86.6

Details as to how the educational program was to be adapted to each age and situation are not included; but the principles are clear, and God, by His Spirit, has guided men so that they may know how to put the principles into practice at the right time and place.APAY 86.7