Proverbs 1:1–7
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction. – Proverbs 1:7
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The opening of Proverbs tells us that its purpose is not merely to accumulate knowledge, but to teach wisdom and instruction so that people may discern rightly, walk in integrity, and live with justice. Verse 7 gives us the foundation: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
In Singapore’s society, “knowledge” is often equated with academic results, professional skills, or future competitiveness. Yet Scripture reminds us that without the fear of the Lord, all this knowledge is ultimately hollow. It cannot truly guide a person in the way of righteousness.
This is why the church has established the Sunday School. It is not to give children extra “Bible facts,” but to help them from young to understand that true knowledge is knowing God, and true wisdom is fearing Him.
Children today grow up in a pluralistic world, surrounded by conflicting values. From school, media, and friends, they hear many voices: pursue grades, chase freedom, define yourself. Without the foundation of fearing God, they are like kites cut from their strings, drifting aimlessly without direction. The mission of Sunday School is to plant the fear of God deep in their hearts, helping them see the world through His eyes, and to learn to ask: “Is this pleasing to God?”
Solomon says that wisdom gives the young knowledge and discretion, and that the wise, too, continue to learn and grow (vv. 4–5). This reminds us that parents and teachers alike must keep returning to the same foundation: fearing the Lord, and growing in Him. Sunday School is never just about passing on information, but it is about “life shaping life.” If parents tell their children to read the Bible and pray, but are themselves consumed by work or distracted by their phones, their children will learn to treat faith as optional. Likewise, if teachers only aim to finish the lesson plan without connecting the truth to life, children will soon lose interest.
To fear the Lord does not mean to be terrified of Him. It means to recognise Him as our sovereign Lord, and to live with reverence and love in obedience to Him. If the central goal of Sunday School is not merely about exciting programs or completing curriculum, but nurturing hearts that fear, love, and obey God, then we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into deep-rooted faith.
Christian education is not optional. It is a core ministry of the church because it shapes the next generation of God’s people.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we confess that so often we chase after worldly knowledge and forget that the fear of You is what matters most. Teach us to live in reverence before You, so that we may influence the next generation with our lives. We pray for the Sunday School ministry in our church: bless the teachers and parents, uniting their hearts to bring children to You, so that from a young age they will know You, love You, and walk in wisdom and righteousness. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Click to read
The opening of Proverbs tells us that its purpose is not merely to accumulate knowledge, but to teach wisdom and instruction so that people may discern rightly, walk in integrity, and live with justice. Verse 7 gives us the foundation: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
In Singapore’s society, “knowledge” is often equated with academic results, professional skills, or future competitiveness. Yet Scripture reminds us that without the fear of the Lord, all this knowledge is ultimately hollow. It cannot truly guide a person in the way of righteousness.
This is why the church has established the Sunday School. It is not to give children extra “Bible facts,” but to help them from young to understand that true knowledge is knowing God, and true wisdom is fearing Him.
Children today grow up in a pluralistic world, surrounded by conflicting values. From school, media, and friends, they hear many voices: pursue grades, chase freedom, define yourself. Without the foundation of fearing God, they are like kites cut from their strings, drifting aimlessly without direction. The mission of Sunday School is to plant the fear of God deep in their hearts, helping them see the world through His eyes, and to learn to ask: “Is this pleasing to God?”
Solomon says that wisdom gives the young knowledge and discretion, and that the wise, too, continue to learn and grow (vv. 4–5). This reminds us that parents and teachers alike must keep returning to the same foundation: fearing the Lord, and growing in Him. Sunday School is never just about passing on information, but it is about “life shaping life.” If parents tell their children to read the Bible and pray, but are themselves consumed by work or distracted by their phones, their children will learn to treat faith as optional. Likewise, if teachers only aim to finish the lesson plan without connecting the truth to life, children will soon lose interest.
To fear the Lord does not mean to be terrified of Him. It means to recognise Him as our sovereign Lord, and to live with reverence and love in obedience to Him. If the central goal of Sunday School is not merely about exciting programs or completing curriculum, but nurturing hearts that fear, love, and obey God, then we are sowing seeds that will one day grow into deep-rooted faith.
Christian education is not optional. It is a core ministry of the church because it shapes the next generation of God’s people.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, we confess that so often we chase after worldly knowledge and forget that the fear of You is what matters most. Teach us to live in reverence before You, so that we may influence the next generation with our lives. We pray for the Sunday School ministry in our church: bless the teachers and parents, uniting their hearts to bring children to You, so that from a young age they will know You, love You, and walk in wisdom and righteousness. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.