Educated Man
I once ran across a typed statement under the glass top of the desk of a student, which bore the title "Marks of an Educated Man." I copied them in order to dissent from them.
"1) He cultivates an open mind; 2) He always listens to the one who knows; 3) He never laughs at new ideas; 4) He knows the secret of getting along with people; 5) He cultivates the habit of success; 6) He links himself with a just cause; 7) He knows it is never too late to learn; 8) You can't sell him magic."
Obviously there are some points in the list that are good, but that the list summarizes an educated man is questionable. There probably are many men who could be described by these eight phrases who are, nevertheless, not educated. For example, it would be possible for a homespun sage to have all of these but be uneducated because he had never had the opportunity of being associated with the world of books. It would also be possible for a man to go to college, work in a library, and still be an ignoramus.
There are some divine statements that are pertinent. 1) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom" (Ps. 111:10). This, of course, does not mean the fright of the Lord, but the godly desire to please Him and be submitted to Him. Such a man will have the breadth of the Word of God without having the shallowness which so often goes with the broad and open-minded men of the world.
2) "If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally" (James 1:5). The important part of this inspired statement is not merely that we must pray for wisdom but that we do lack it, so that we will be willing to pray for it. 3) "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thess. 5:21). The frame of reference is the Word of God.
4) "A man who would have friends must show himself friendly" (Prov. 18:24). The Christian, with the love of Christ within him, will naturally love his fellowmen. 5) Cultivate the habit of surrender to the truth. "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31, 32). 6) The believer is linked to the Lord, which is more than being linked to a cause. 7) The path of the just is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Prov. 4:18). We shall learn through all eternity (John 17:3). 8) Spiritual discernment from God will keep us from accepting the counterfeits which Satan and men try to pass on us.
You can see that we have revised the eight concepts stated above. It is the leading forth of the soul and spirit as well as the intellect which constitutes true education. Men may make their definitions and call themselves educated, but in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knows not God (1 Cor. 1:21). And can any man be considered really educated when he does not have any knowledge of omniscience?
1. If this is how people learn and become “educated” how is it that unbelievers are intelligent as well?
2. What role does the Trinity play in our daily education as faithful believers?
