How much knowledge did you acquire this year?

Now that summer is coming and that your term at school is coming to an end you should be asking yourself: what did I learn during this whole year? What knowledge did I acquire? Well, I am sure that you know now much more of math, science, grammar, history and other subjects than you knew last year (at least, I hope you do!). There is yet another kind of knowledge that should have increased in your mind and heart this year and that is the knowledge of your triune God. Did you learn more about Him this year?

Let me remind you that Christians should always be interested in learning about God, His will and His directions for our lives while we wait for the return of our savior Jesus. The best proof of this is that He has given you a complete library so that you would meditate upon it day and night: the Holy Bible. And that is not all! Among the 66 books of the Bible, your God gave you one which specific purpose is to give you wisdom and it is the book of Proverbs.

How do I know this book was written especially for you, my young brother and sister? Because it is written in the very first chapter! In verse 4 we read: “to give prudence to the naive, to the youth knowledge and discretion.” Therefore, young brethren, this book is of great importance for you. Yes, the Lord wants you to grow your wisdom in the most different subjects but most of all He wants you to be instructed in “righteousness, justice and equity.” You don’t learn that in your school (private, public or home). You need to come and learn from Him,

Now, why should you come and learn from God all this marvelous things? Because in doing so, you are being wise and not a fool. The book of Proverbs invites the wise to increase his learning by listening to its words of wisdom (1:5). It promises that through the understanding of its content the reader will receive guidance. On the other hand, the one who rejects its wise teachings and instructions is nothing but a fool (1:7). You don’t want to be a fool, do you?

Now, in order to understand and profit from the wisdom of the book of Proverbs, what should be your starting point? The book itself responds to you saying: “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” When you approach your God seeking for guidance, do so in holy fear. Does this mean that you should be afraid of God? Absolutely not! The fear of the Lord is that profound respect, awe and recognition that you must demonstrate when you approach your creator, recognizing your infinite necessity of his instruction, guidance, love and mercy.

Let us, than, return to the initial question: how much did you increase you knowledge about God this year? Do you wish to be wise? Do you understand the Lord alone is your true source of wisdom? Seek this knowledge, young brethren. Do be a fool!