Redeeming the Time
“The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.” (Proverbs 15:14)
When you turn on the TV or look at a news feed or social media site, do you think about whether or not what you’re seeing is even worth your time and attention? Our verse is about seeking useful knowledge, instead of wasting time and brainpower feeding your mind with useless drama and mental junk food.
First, how well do you know the Bible? If you are a Christian, and especially a parent, you should know Scripture well enough to know what you believe and why. “And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children,” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)
The way to know true doctrine from false doctrine is by Scripture: “…if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20) Jesus’ Deity and the Trinity, for example, are basic Bible doctrines, but some religions do not believe in either one. In fact, Islamic doctrine denies that Jesus died for our sins. If you had to show from the Bible the truth of all these doctrines, could you do it?
As for your kids, they may be grown. You may think it’s too late to deal with them. It’s not. They may no longer be under your authority and not where they need to be spiritually, but you can still talk with them. You can also start attending church and encourage them to come. You can also pray. Never doubt the power of prayer. Kids can get away from their parents, but they can’t get away from their parents’ prayers. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)
You also need to know Scripture so that when an opportunity comes, you can know what Scriptures to use to explain to people from the Bible how to be saved. This advance preparation is what it means in the Bible to have your “…feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;” (Ephesians 6:15)
This verse can also apply to other forms of knowledge, not just Bible knowledge. For example, you can save money if you do your own handiwork around the house rather than hire a pro. If you are a police officer, you can learn trade skills for a backup plan if some negative event ends your career, or as a source of part-time money that gets you out of “police mode.” According to Forbes, skilled trades workers are also in high demand (Kelly, Jack, “The Booming Job Market For Skilled Tradespersons, Forbes, 4/22/25)
Knowledge can also make life more fun. Did you ever want to sketch or play an instrument? Wouldn’t these be more enjoyable and a better use of time than looking through social media or watching TV? You are not too old to learn. Proverbs 23:7 says, “For as he [a person] thinketh in his heart, so is he:” You decide in your heart if you can or cannot do these things. Do not let age or prior failures discourage you. You may never be a pro, but you can learn these skills enough to enjoy them and for others to enjoy them.
You’re never too old to learn new things. It’s been said that an old dog can learn new tricks; maybe not so fast a young dog, but he can learn them. A lady in her 30’s wrote to an advice columnist. She wanted to go back to college but was hesitant. By the time she finished in four years, she explained, she would be almost 40. The columnist asked her how old she would be in four years if she didn’t go back to college.
Ephesians 5:16 says to be “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Use time and brainpower that God has given you wisely while you can. One day we will have no more time. Most importantly, to see how to have your sins forgiven and eternal life by receiving the Lord Jesus as your personal Saviour, please go to www.clevelandbaptist.org, click “Helpful Links,” then “How Do I Go to Heaven?”
Brian Miller 1/10/2026