A Wise Teacher

Tucked away near the end of the book of Ecclesiastes is a most interesting description of a teacher. King Solomon, because of the gift God had given him, was a writer and teacher of wisdom. To authenticate his writings, Solomon describes himself, the Teacher, in terms of his role and his methodology. As you read his words that follow, think about your own teacher qualities.

“Not only was the teacher wise, but also he imparted knowledge to the people. He pondered and searched out and set in order many proverbs. The teacher searched to find just the right words, and what he wrote was upright and true” (Ecclesiastes 12:9).

Did you notice the ways in which Solomon described the qualities and role of the teacher?

• The teacher is wise
  
• The teacher imparts knowledge
  
• The teacher ponders truth
  
• The teacher searches out truth
  
• The teacher sets truth in a form students can understand
  
• The teacher seeks out just the right words to communicate the message


• The teacher proclaims truth clearly

How do you measure up to this list? Are you a wise teacher? Do you ponder and seek out truth to share with your students? Do you carefully choose your words and methods so you can communicate with your students in an interesting way with clarity and power?

As instructors of teachers, we must go beyond this list. These are qualities we want to build into our teachers, so we must set the bar high for ourselves.

As this year draws to a close and 2009 waits on the horizon, let’s commit ourselves anew to the task to which God has called each of us. Let’s ask Him to make us the best IOTs we can be for the good of our students and for the glory of God.