Opinion: Bible offers good advice for graduates

These days graduation commencements abound and so do commencement speakers. We hear from great business leaders, celebrities, actors, activists, and politicians offering advice to students graduating from college.

Yet, in spite of their celebrity and renown, some offer old worn out platitudes, like “work hard,” “dream big,” “follow your inner zeal,” and “dare to be brave.” These well-known phrases dot their speeches and these over used phrases seem hollow to me.

It may not be fashionable to refer to the Bible these days but the Bible offers superb advice for graduates. Abraham in the Old Testament is an example. God called him and he obeyed and he went out “not knowing where he was going.” (Hebrews 11:8) He had faith to follow God even when he didn’t know the future. Because of his obedience, God blessed him tremendously. So how about six Biblical suggestions for the graduate?

Genuine wisdom comes from God. In the Jewish Talmud, one can read these words: “You can educate a fool, but you cannot make him think.” There is a great distinction in head knowledge and the wisdom to use that knowledge. In the book of James, this issue is made clear: “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5) Graduate, ask God for wisdom.

God’s guidance never disappoints. When our world in a continuous flux, God is the only constant upon which anyone of us can depend. Politicians, Wall Street executives, well-known athletes and celebrities cannot solve our problems. God is unchanging, all knowing and omnipresent. David when he had no clear path pleaded to God: “For you are my rock and my fortress; For Your name’s sake You will lead me and guide me. “ (Psalm 31:3) So graduate, ask God for guidance.

God is an encourager. The CDC reported in December 2015 that deaths from drug overdoses reached an all-time high in 2014 (CNN, December 2015) . Sometimes when people get discouraged in life, they turn to all sorts of immediate fixes that are detrimental. Addictions follow and personal circumstances get worse. But God is an encourager. He fills the need of the discouraged and gives comfort and hope. “Hear my cry, O God; Give heed to my prayer. From the end of the earth I call to You when my heart is faint; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalm 61:1-2.) So graduate, God will encourage you.

With God, the confusing becomes understandable. When I could not explain and did not understand the difficult times in my life, the Lord comforted me and assured me that He heard me and He knew about me. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6) So graduate, make sense of life with God.

The humble admit their need for God. C.S. Lewis wrote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” A humble person does not think herself above others and a humble person knows that she can fail and she can be wrong. Yet, the humble person declares her need for God. How wonderful that is - to admit that we are human and God will take care of us. “He leads the humble in justice, And He teaches the humble His way.” (Psalm 25:9) So graduate, admit you need for God.

In God’s will is a rewarding place to be. Pray and seek the Father’s will. The best place to be is in line with God’s plan in all areas of life. “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. “ (Romans 12:2) So graduate, seek God’s will.

Good promises from the Bible for not only the graduate but for all of us.

Judy Brandon writes about faith for the Clovis News Journal. Contact her at:

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