Education is vitally important in today's society as we face continuous challenges.  I agree that "knowledge is power" and "a mind is a terrible thing to waste."  I am encouraged by the Obama administration's desire to make education a top priority.  My belief is that it takes a "village to raise a child."  Accordingly, every person who is able, should consider what part he/she can play in helping our children reach their full potential.

 

In the passage above, Solomon tells us that raising a child was important during his day as well.  Training, or the lack thereof, would have consequences later in the child's life.  Theologians today sometimes debate the meaning of the statement: "in the way he should go." 

 Does it mean the way in which "he ought to go, or does it mean according to his personality, conduct, or stage in life?" (Paraphrased from THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY)

 

No matter how you interpret it, we know that inferior education will have a negative impact on the lives of our children.  There are differences of opinion on how we should proceed in educating our children.  This can be healthy if we are open to having positive dialog with those who have opposing views.  But as Christians we must also understand and promote that the most important factor in insuring the success of our children's future is to share the Word of God with them.

 

Let us partnership with our schools to train up the children in the way that they should go.  When we do that we will insure that the future will have more doctors, lawyers, teachers, ministers, business people, and the like.  And also, we will have more Christians as well!