The Wisdom of Nature Study
We are so pleased to bring you another wonderful guest post from Jimmie of Jimmie’s Collage! She has been studying God’s Word and, once again, finds God clearly guiding us to learn more about Him through His creation. Enjoy!
The Wisdom of Nature Study
by Jimmie
I’ve come to understand that nature study is a responsibility of Christian homeschoolers, and recently in my daily Bible reading, that belief was reaffirmed.
In 1 Kings 4, King Solomon’s wisdom is described. Of course, you know that God gave Solomon wisdom greater than any man of his time. He wrote the Proverbs, those pithy nuggets of wisdom, as well as Song of Songs, the sensual allegory. So it’s not surprising that verse 32 of 1 Kings 4 lists his wise words as a great accomplishment.
But did you ever notice verse 33? Continuing to describe Solomon’s great wisdom, the Bible says,
“He described plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also taught about animals and birds, reptiles and fish.”
Solomon was an expert in nature, especially plants and animals. When the writer of 1 Kings was inspired to record Solomon’s great depth of understanding, he spoke specifically about the king’s writings and his study of nature.
Think about it. Solomon also built the Temple, a massive undertaking that gave God much glory. But that project is not listed here as a demonstration of his wisdom. Instead, we have the study of nature. This humble and seemingly “useless” topic for one as mighty as a king is listed in this royal resume.
What does that tell us?
- Being nature-wise is a godly characteristic when it is rooted in a firm belief in a Creator.
- It is wise to study nature.
Be like Solomon; be wise. Study nature and teach your children about nature. If you lack wisdom, start making baby steps toward understanding. Observe with your own eyes. Read field guides. Most importantly, take a sense of wonder with you outdoors. You are looking at the very handiwork of God.
Don’t discount your nature walk as useless, non-academic playtime. You are walking in the footsteps of the wisest king of Israel, Solomon.