Every parent wants their children to possess a wealth of knowledge, to possess a strong conscience about right and wrong, and to be strongly convicted (convinced) of principles of truth that will guide them through life.  Yet, two trends related to the education of children surface in current research:  first, achievement levels show a downward pattern thus limiting the knowledge base that is acquired; and two, there is no longer a clear definition of what is right and what is wrong in the minds of people.  Research shows that about eighty per cent of students on secular college campuses do not accept that there are clear distinctions between the two.   

 Solomon speaks of the importance of these things in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”  Here the word “vision” is the idea of revelation or understanding which can only come through knowledge of truth.  The idea behind the word “perish” is that of casting away that which would restrain them, thus limiting any correct view of right and wrong.  The idea behind the word “law” is precept or statute, that which comes from the mouth of God Himself.  Within the parameters of this single verse, there is established the basis for a solid education program that will build a knowledge of truth, establish sound definitions of right and wrong, and build the conviction necessary to make wise decisions in life.  

No Knowledge:  It starts with a foundation of knowledge.  The 1828 edition of Webster’s Dictionary defines knowledge in this way:  A clear and certain perception of that which exists, or of truth and fact.”  Knowledge, or the lack of it, is the foundation that shapes the conscience and the convictions held by any individual.  Yet achievement or knowledge levels are trending downward.  This is especially true of knowledge of Biblical truth.  There is a truth which can be known and that truth is revealed within the Word of God.  The message is clear:  foundational knowledge is basic to everything else in life.  It is critical to any education program for children. It certainly includes spiritual as well as academic knowledge.  Both are vital to a complete education program.  

No Conscience:  Conscience is a component of “spirit,” along with communion and intuition.  It is often defined as a sensing of right and wrong.  It is that sense within us that judges the lawfulness or unlawfulness of an action.  But, conscience is molded by the knowledge possessed by an individual, thus making the knowledge foundation upon which conscience is based all the more important.   The conscience of one that lacks knowledge of truth simply cannot give a warning of pending wrong.  Knowledge of truth is vital to shaping an active and pure conscience, one that is not weak and one that is not seared.  

No Conviction:  Conviction is simply defined as a firm belief, a principle that shapes one’s thinking about life.  It means to be convinced of error or to compel one to acknowledge error or it is the act of convincing one of sin or sinfulness.  Conviction can only be founded upon a solid knowledge base or what is believed to be truth, which in turn molds one’s conscience.  It is only at that point that strong convictions about life can be developed.  The lack of strong conviction on the part of many adults today can be traced directly to an insufficient knowledge base and a weak conscience.  

Conclusion:  It has been said that one cannot love God beyond the level of knowledge that one has of God.  That makes the mind, as well as the heart, important for the believer.  While it is God and Him alone that can change a heart, there is the expectation that the believer would transform his or her mind with a wealth of knowledge, both spiritual and academic.  Paul admonishes the believer in Romans 12:2:  “And, be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…”  This admonition of Paul elevates the education of children to a very high level.  One can conclude the following:

First, an education program must include a strong element of knowledge and understanding of God and basic Bible doctrines, principles of Christian living in a world far removed from God, and a survey knowledge of the entire Bible.  

Second, an education program must include a strong academic element in light of the truth of Scripture.  Excellence is the goal.  There can be no other.  

When we see the lack of conviction on the part of so many in a world void of any definition of right and wrong, it can only be understood in terms of the diminished emphasis on learning and education.  Knowledge is foundational.  Only then can one develop a strong and sensitive conscience.  A strong conscience, based on an adequate base of knowledge and understanding will lead to convictions about what is really important in this life.  To paraphrase Proverbs 29:18, “where there is no revelation or knowledge, the people will cast away all restraints.”