Learning has to do with acquiring skills, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. It is a lifelong process and the Holy Bible has a wealth of information on this topic.
Today we will take a look at some important Bible verses and what they have to say about how to learn, who we should seek knowledge from, how to educate children, and what increases learning.
What does the Bible say about learning?
In Proverbs 1:7, the fear of the Lord is highlighted as a very important component of learning. It states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction”.
The word of Christ tells us to learn from Him when He made the following statement. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 NIV
As followers of Christ Jesus, we need to study the Holy Bible in order to learn from Him and equip ourselves. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work”. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
What the Bible says about seeking knowledge?
The word of God teaches us that it is better to have knowledge than other material things like money, silver, or gold. It also encourages us to seek wisdom from the Lord.
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out. Proverbs 18:15 NIV
This Bible verse indicates that a trait of those who are wise, intelligent, and discerning is that they seek out knowledge. The English Standard Version puts the text this way, “An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10 NIV
The Lord is all knowing and there is no better source to get wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Having a knowledge of God and trusting in Him will increase your understanding and make you wise.
Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: Wisdom preserves those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:12 NIV
This scripture is a reminder that it is better to seek knowledge than material things. Both are able to act as a shelter or defense but according to the King James version of this text, ‘wisdom giveth life to them that have it’.
How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! Proverbs 16:16 NIV
This is another text that shows the importance of seeking knowledge. It is better to learn, seek insight, or get wisdom than to spend time and effort trying to acquire silver and gold.
my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children. Hosea 4:6 NIV
It is the will of God for His children to embrace His teachings. This verse not only tells why we should obey God’s teachings but also points out the consequences that we will face if we don’t.
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17 NIV
This verse assures us that the wisdom that comes from heaven is more than sound doctrine. It is untainted by human error, pure, impartial, sincere, peace-loving, and considerate. It will bring unity instead of dissension and the peace of God instead of rivalry and animosity.
It is good to learn new things and acquire new skills but it is very important that new knowledge is sound and not contrary to the word of God. The English Standard Version of Colossians 2:8 warns against philosophies and teachings contrary to God’s word.
It states, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ”.
Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. ⁵Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5 NIV
This text is a beautiful prayer that can be said at any time. Instead of praying for the things you think you want, try to align yourself with the will of God. Pray in the name of the Father and ask Him to show you His way, teach you, guide you in truth, and give you hope.
What does the Bible say about educating a child?
There are many important Bible verses that may be used for guidance as it relates to educating a child. These texts are treasures of wisdom as they provide a wealth of information on the proper upbringing of children.
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. Proverbs 22:6 NIV
As a parent, teacher, family member, or caregiver you have a responsibility to train little children and help them to discern between right and wrong from a young age. This not only help them to be good boys and girls but will provide them with a sound knowledge of the truth when they become adults.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. ⁶These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. ⁷Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NIV
It is the will of God that little children should be taught to love the Lord wholeheartedly. This may be done through the help of ongoing discussions and talks that will serve as a constant reminder.
This training should take place inside the home and outside the home and should pass on from generation to generation.
All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace Isaiah 54:13 NIV
This scripture is one of the many promises that the Lord made to His children in Isaiah chapter fifty-four. He not only promises peace and restoration but assures that He will teach all the children.
The best teacher that any child could have is the everlasting God. Claim this promise over the life of your children and let them affirm themselves saying, “the Lord is my teacher”.
Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Psalms 34:11 NIV
Gaining an understanding of God requires listening. Listening is not just a skill required for little children to learn. It is needed by the young and old alike. Adults who train and educate children need this skill just as much as kids do.
This verse points out that Bible study is very important. The things that a child learns at school and in the home should be complemented by the word of God.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Proverbs 1:8 NIV
Mothers and fathers are very critical to the upbringing and education of a child. They are responsible for teaching and providing instruction. This verse is also a warning to children as they are urged to listen to and obey their parents.
Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 NIV
This verse highlights various tools that may be used for instruction. In imparting wisdom to children, we may use psalms, hymns, and songs to ensure that the message of Christ and the word of God are memorized and become a vital part of who they are.
I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. Proverbs 4:11 NIV
This should be the prayer and goal of every parent. In order to fulfill the God-given role of training children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, each parent will need to know the path of wisdom and instruct children along the correct path.
It is also important that teachers and other individuals who work with and care for children instruct them in wisdom and help them to discern between right and wrong.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 NIV
Parents and other caregivers have to be disciplined in order for children to learn discipline from them. Limitations, boundaries, and consequences for certain actions should be enforced consistently.
Correcting errors and undesirable behavior is also an important part of learning. A love for discipline and correction is equivalent to a love for knowledge.
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. Proverbs 9:9 NIV
Educating a child is a continuous process. When he or she masters a topic or skill it is wise to build upon that knowledge. The word of God says that the mind of the prudent acquires knowledge.
Observe the instructions in this Bible verse as you add to the learning of a child and help him or her to become wiser.
What increases learning in the Bible?
Listening, trusting in God, Bible study, and asking the Lord for wisdom are some ways to increase learning according to scriptures. Let’s take a look at some top Bible verses that will help you to increase learning.
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance— Proverbs 1:5 NIV
This text tells us that a wise man or a wise woman understands the importance of listening. A discerning spirit and listening will add to learning and provide guidance.
The work of the Holy Spirit is to guide you into all truth. Therefore, it’s very important to be able to discern and listen to the Spirit. Psalm 78:1 is also another important Bible verse that speaks about listening. It states, “My people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth”.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; ⁶ in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. ⁷ Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. Proverbs 3:5-7 NIV
According to this text, increasing learning requires multiple things. First it requires you to trust the Lord. Secondly, you are not expected to depend on your understanding because it is limited.
Thirdly, you are expected to acknowledge the Lord and submit to Him. Finally, fear God instead of being wise in your own eyes. These four steps will help you to seek knowledge, wisdom, and understanding from an all-knowing God rather than depend on your finite knowledge.
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:5 NIV
In the book of James, you are reminded that the God of peace is generous and liberal. You just need to ask Him for wisdom and trust in Him and He will fulfill your request.
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 NIV
The King James Version of this text encourages old and young Christians alike to know the word of Christ. It states “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.
Increasing learning requires diligence, commitment, and studying the word of God. The more time spent studying sacred writings the greater will our knowledge of the truth be.
Teach me, and I will be quiet; show me where I have been wrong. Job 6:24 NIV
In this verse, Job’s request was very simple. He wanted the God of peace to teach him. Job and his friends couldn’t understand why he was going through so much suffering.
There was no human explanation as to what and why things happened but Job knew that his heavenly Father had all the answers he needed.
Like Job, feel free to ask the Lord to teach you and allow yourself to be led by the Holy Spirit. This is a great way to gain insight into things you don’t understand.
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Psalm 32:8 NIV
With the encouragement of the scripture, you will be instructed and taught what to do and where to go as a follower of Christ. This Psalm is a reminder that you are never without the counsel of a loving God who is your teacher and instructor.
Your heavenly Father will always give instruction when you need to increase your learning.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 NIV
The best source to turn to when you want to increase learning is the Lord. This text is a reminder that He gives wisdom and that knowledge and understanding comes from His mouth. When you want to tap into the Spirit of wisdom just turn to the Holy Bible.
It promises in Psalm 25:8-9 that, “Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in his ways. ⁹ He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way”.
My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. Isaiah 26:9 NIV
If you genuinely desire to increase learning then you need to yearn for the Lord and seek the word of Christ day and night. According to the English Standard Version of this text it is through yearning and judgment that, “the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness”.
Final Thought
The Bible has a wealth of information on learning. It states that the fear of the lord is the beginning of wisdom and provides guidance on what knowledge is, how to educate a child, and how to increase learning.
