Teach Wisely
When we think of all the women today who are teaching through writing, speaking, or singing, there are a lot. With social media, the number has grown even larger. Now any woman can get online and say what’s on her mind, and not many would be described as a woman who “opens her mouth with wisdom” (Prov. 31:26). Sadly, there are even women in evangelical churches who aren’t opening their mouths with wisdom. However, we should be thankful that there are still many who do. For those of us who teach the Bible, it is imperative that we open our mouths with wisdom.
Teaching Everyone With All Wisdom
One of Paul’s driving motivations in ministry was to proclaim the gospel in order that his hearers would mature in Christ, “Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). Wisdom is found in Christ, “who became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). If we are to teach wisely we must begin by fearing the Lord (Psalm. 111:10). That means we must delight ourselves in reading, studying, and obeying His word (112:1). We are to be “gracious, merciful, and righteous” (v. 4). We are to be generous and just (v. 5) and steadfast in the faith (v. 6). And we are to trust the Lord instead of fearing bad news or our enemies (vv. 7-8).
Wisdom is accompanied by “understanding” that leads one “to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:9-10). In a nutshell, to teach wisely is to teach Christ “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:3). It is possible for teachers to have “an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion,” but such self-made religions “are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” (Col. 2:23). To teach wisely is to turn away from anything self-made and turn toward Christ. It is His power that is necessary to stop indulging the flesh.
Teaching wisely also means “admonishing one another in all wisdom” (Col. 3:16). We must first put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, love, peace, and thankfulness (vv. 12-15). Then we must “let the word of Christ dwell in [us] richly” (v. 16). Only then are we ready to admonish one another in a biblical way. Without such virtues, our admonishments often become attacks. The wise woman will offer gentle and loving admonition that leads the listener, by God’s grace, to repent and obey the Lord.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Think of the women you know who have taught you, either through the written word, the spoken word, or through songs. How many can you describe as a woman who “opens her mouth with wisdom” (Prov. 31:26)? Think of the women in your church. Are they growing in opening their mouths with wisdom? Now consider yourself. Would others, beginning with your own family, say that you are a woman who speaks with wisdom? As Bible teachers, it is pivotal that we teach wisely.
PRAYER
Father, I want to honor You by teaching wisely. Help me open my mouth with wisdom each time I teach, that my listeners might be built up and encouraged.
Heart Matters: Teaching the Bible with Purity and Purpose by Sarah Ivill – PCA
Sarah Ivill (ThM, Dallas Theological Seminary) has been leading, teaching or writing women’s Bible studies since she was eighteen. She has served at the Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership, in Bible Study Fellowship, and as Director of Women’s Ministry in the local church, among other leadership positions. She is also a contributing blogger for enCourage (a blog of the PCA Women's Ministries), and has a regular blog, The Haven, with the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, and recently published Heart Matters: Teaching the Bible with Purity and Purpose. Sarah continues writing and teaching Reformed Bible studies for women, and speaking at women's retreats and conferences. A member of Christ Covenant Church (PCA), Sarah lives with her husband and four children in Matthews, North Carolina.
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Sharon W. Betters is a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, pastor’s wife, and cofounder of MARKINC Ministries, where she is the Director of Resource Development. Sharon is the author of several books, including Treasures of Encouragement, Treasures in Darkness, and co-author with Susan Hunt of Aging with Grace. She is the co-host of the Help & Hope podcast and writes Daily Treasure, an online devotional.
Contact Sharon with comments or questions at dailytreasure@markinc.org.
