The world has never been more educated. There are more universities today than at any time in history. And the “information superhighway” allows anyone to learn anything. Yet what is suggested as the solution to every problem? More education. What will keep fatherless young men out of prison? Education. Prevent teen pregnancy? Education. Gangs? Education. Drugs? Education.
EDUCATION IS NOT ENOUGH.
Solomon was the wisest man that ever lived. “The whole world wanted an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart,” 1 Kings 10:23-24. Solomon’s wisdom encompassed “education” because it included insight into EVERY FIELD: “Solomon … described trees… and taught about animals, birds, reptiles, and fish. People came from everywhere … to listen to Solomon’s wisdom” 1 Kings 4:32-34.
BUT EDUCATION IS NOT ENOUGH.
Solomon’s knowledge did not stop him from sinning. “Solomon loved many foreign women… he was deeply attached … and they turned his heart away from the Lord. When he was old, his wives seduced him to follow other gods… Solomon did what was evil in the Lord’s sight. He did not completely follow Yahweh” 11:1-6. Solomon built high places for idol worship, and God said: “Because you have done this, I will tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant” 11:11.
No one had more ability to see the foolishness of his actions than Solomon. No one could better foresee the punishment to come than Solomon.
But EDUCATION IS NOT ENOUGH.
Only a CHANGED HEART can make you live right. Only a changed heart can serve God faithfully. KNOWLEDGE of right and wrong is not enough. You need the Holy Spirit to change you, to “take away your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh… and help you obey God’s laws” Ezekiel 36:26-27.
God, no matter how much we grow, study Your word, and gain wisdom—remind us that we need YOU every day to change our heart, keep us humble, and help us obey.
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