My Education Plan

The book of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon, who was known for his wisdom (see 1 Kings 4:29-34). In the book, he not only shares numerous nuggets of wisdom but also urges the reader to put effort into learning as much as possible:

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

Proverbs 1:5

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Proverbs 4:7

It sounds like we ought to be voracious learners, dedicating time and energy to our education.

Nephi opens the Book of Mormon by expressing gratitude for “goodly parents” who “taught him somewhat in all [their] learning” (1 Nephi 1:1). King Benjamin “caused that [his sons] should be taught, … that thereby they might become men of understanding” (Mosiah 1:2). Even Nephi’s brother Jacob, who warned against the pride that can accompany educational attainment, conceded that “to be learned is good if [you] hearken unto the counsels of God” (2 Nephi 9:29).

Abinadi chastised the priests of King Noah, who were eloquent speakers but not deep thinkers (see Mosiah 11:7). “Ye have not applied your hearts to understanding,” he said, “therefore, ye have not been wise” (Mosiah 12:27), echoing Solomon’s admonition: “Incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding” (Proverbs 2:2).

We often emphasize education for the young, but there is far more to learn than we can possibly master during our school years. In an 1832 revelation, the Lord listed a few categories of knowledge that He said “are expedient for you to understand”:

Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:79

It sounds as if God wants us to learn about a broad array of topics, including science, history, and foreign affairs.

How are we going to accomplish this? Not without effort and planning:

Seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.

Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish … a house of learning.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:119

We live in an extraordinary time for people who want to learn! The internet has made information broadly accessible, and new tools like generative AI are making it easier to consume and organize that knowledge. Yesterday, I began using the new study mode introduced in ChatGPT-5, and I was able to quickly memorize some content that I’ve been wanting to master for some time. This past Sunday, during my morning prayer, I felt prompted to use Google’s Notebook LM platform to better understand the structure of Doctrine and Covenants 88. That activity helped me integrate the various topics in the revelation and gain a deeper appreciation for the Lord’s central message, as I outlined in my Monday post.

Elder Ronald A. Rasband recently proclaimed:

We see the Lord hastening educational opportunities … around the world. One of the things that distinguishes us as a church is our emphasis on education. The Lord commanded in the early days of the Restoration to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” That is happening today and is worthy of a resounding “hurrah.”

“Right Before Our Eyes,” General Conference, April 2025

My wife and I are currently helping several of our children get ready for a new school year. It’s a good time for us to think about our own educational goals as well. We may not be enrolled in classes with a syllabus and specific assignments provided by a teacher, but we can organize ourselves and “prepare every needful thing” for our continuing education this school year.

Today, I will review and update my educational goals. I will create a learning plan that will enable me, with God’s help, to continue acquiring knowledge and gaining understanding.