Introduction
Pinnacle Classical Academy is proud to open a new avenue of communication to those who have any interest in our school. We are a school founded on classical Christian education. We will produce much more content regarding this educational model, but for now I will begin with the heart of it. Our desire is to fulfill a goal that exists in all of Christendom but especially in the education of children: namely, the desire to seek, receive, and share wisdom. This desire flows out of Proverbs 1, in which Solomon writes,
“To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight, to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth - Let the wise hear and increase in learning and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:2-7
PCA’s goal is to graduate students instilled with a lifelong love of learning, equipped in service to both God and man, a lofty goal that requires divine wisdom. It is a worthy goal to strive for, regardless of whether it is met or not. To be a teacher of our students is a sobering thing and should not be taken lightly.
We must acknowledge that wisdom cannot come from a fool, for how can something good come from someone who despises the good itself (Pr 1:7)? The work of the Lord is indeed to make the fool wise. If our goal is to seek and share wisdom, then we should admit our folly. Augustine was so revered but took great lengths to ensure that no one put him in a place of honor without first understanding what he once was: a fool. In many ways, I am still foolish, acting out of line with the will of the Lord. Yet, I align my heart with that of John Newton when he wrote, “I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am.”
Solomon likens wisdom to three things that are of importance: a woman, a treasure, and a gift. He first treats wisdom as a woman:
“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge? If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you. I will make my words known to you.” Proverbs 1:20-23.
Wisdom, as a woman, is a beautiful depiction. The reader should not feel that she is malicious or scornful. She is tender, and she longs to give her good gifts to those who turn from their foolishness. Soon after, those who think little of her words pay a heavy price for their stubbornness. Then again, Solomon writes that wisdom is to be regarded as a treasure worthy of our effort and a promised gift that the Lord freely gives to those who seek it:
“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments within you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” Proverbs 2:1-5
It is our prayer that we will teach your children to love wisdom and virtue rather than self and vice; to love God’s standard rather than rue it; to seek His face rather than turn from it in fear. This blog will seek to give insight into what we believe is a rich and ancient culture of deeply rooted truths lived out through daily learning and growing together. Come and taste and see that it is good.
Jake Hilburn
Upper School Teacher
