Proverbs In Christian Education

The Bible rightly functions as the basis on which Christian education is constructed. ( Milne 2009 p.22) `It has authority, `right or power to require obedience`. It is authoritative for all of life , for every part of life in Christian education. The book of Proverbs is found in the Writings in the canon of Scripture. It is primarily a reflective narrative. It asks questions, explores the wisdom and probes reality. It is in the Wisdom Literature. The themes discussed in the book of Proverbs include Wisdom, relationship and roles, resource management, communication, virtues, vices, folly bringing misery and attitudes. The purpose of Proverbs is to develop mental skills through wisdom and instruction and to give moral discretion in a practical

It is a `guide for successful living`. In the practice of education from a biblical basis the book of Proverbs provides us with the skill of wisdom. Jesus Christ in His teaching proclaimed that he was the fulfilment of Wisdom. As explained by the Oxford Encyclopaedia of the Bible and ethics, `wisdom is the ability to deal with other people, animals, plants or objects so that all gain from mutual dealings` It impacts the conventional understanding of life, worldview and education. The fruition of wisdom is dependent upon the relationship with Jesus Christ. The beliefs that are brought into the classroom affect the practice of education. Thus the beliefs regarding `education, the learner, the role of the teacher and the situation within which we teach` (Fennema) affect `the way we see the world, time spent, the activities and the ideas`. The person and work of Jesus actively working in the lives of the teacher and the learner will enable the skill of wisdom to be fully realised. The book of Proverbs is significant as it passes on advice, warnings and insights that have proven to be helpful in the past for the practice of

The role of the teacher and the learner is portrayed as that of a father and son respectively. It outlines relationships and roles. The process of education begins with the parent and child. It entails training, instruction and discipline. The primary responsibility for instruction was given to the parents. Both parents were involved, the father was responsible and significant instruction came from the mother. (McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia) It is the duty of parents to teach the children precepts and principles (Deuteronomy 11:9). Parents as the natural instructors were to apply the rod of correction (Proverbs 23:14) when needed even though wise reproof was better. Success is promised when this obligation to educate within the family is honoured. This guideline has direct implications on the procedure of teaching. In the practice of teaching the teacher acts `loco parentis` taking on the functions and responsibility of the parent. Therefore, according to the book of Proverbs the teacher has the duty of disciplinary instruction and training in the word of God. The teacher (van Brummelin) `has a personal commitment and responsibility to model Christ to the learners`. Relationship is significant as (Fenema 2005 p.21)`identity is found in relationship`. `Our relationship with God affects our identity.` The learners identity and relationship with God significantly affected by the teacher.