“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
Reflection:
Wisdom, education, and mentorship have been the foundation of progress in Black history. However, many of our youth today struggle to recognize their value. The Bible warns us that “wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matthew 7:13). But the narrow path—the way of wisdom, truth, and righteousness—is walked by few.
As a youth, I rejected wisdom, education, and mentorship—seeing no need for them. But as an adult, after finding a true relationship with Jesus Christ, my heart changed. I now thirst for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The Word declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” (Proverbs 9:10). My prayer is that God opens the eyes of our Black youth, stirring in them a hunger for wisdom and truth that will advance our people without arrogance or pride.
Black History Highlight: Booker T. Washington – A Mentor of Wisdom
One of the greatest teachers and mentors in Black history is Booker T. Washington. Born into slavery but rising to become a pioneer in education, Washington dedicated his life to empowering Black youth through wisdom, skill-building, and self-reliance. He founded the Tuskegee Institute, a place where young Black men and women gained practical education, discipline, and guidance. His teachings echoed Proverbs 9:9—when you give wisdom to someone willing to learn, they become even wiser.
Washington believed in lifting others up, famously saying:
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
His work reminds us that mentorship and education are critical for breaking cycles of poverty and ignorance.
The Call to Action – Passing Down Wisdom
The Bible tells us, “Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding” (Proverbs 9:6). Let us reject ignorance and seek wisdom from those who came before us. When we gain knowledge, let us not become prideful or arrogant, but remain humble—for the Word reminds us:
“For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.” (Galatians 6:3)
We must also be willing to learn from every culture that has wisdom to offer, whether Black, White, Hispanic, or Asian. Proverbs 4:7 tells us:
“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.”
Above all, let us increase in understanding through the Holy Scriptures. God commands, teaches, and speaks to us through His Word. May we rise early to seek His face, labor in His will, and walk in the path of righteousness.
For the Bible promises:
“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Proverbs 9:9 – ‘Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.’ A powerful depiction of Booker T. Washington teaching young students, emphasizing wisdom, education, and mentorship in Black history.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, we pray that You open the eyes of our Black youth. Give them a hunger for wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Let them seek You first, for “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 1:7). May we remain humble as we grow in knowledge, never thinking ourselves better than others. Help us to be mentors, teachers, and guides, leading the next generation into wisdom, just as those before us did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joseph Mekael Page 
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