Know well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations? When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats the price of a field. There will be enough goats’ milk for your food, for the food of your household and maintenance for your girls. Proverbs 27:23-27, ESV

After I read verse 23 of chapter 27 while studying Proverbs, I started to journal about the importance of knowing what is going on in our students’ lives. But when I decided to stop and check the context, I discovered that this verse does not stand alone and it does not mean what I had initially thought. Instead, it is part of a larger dialogue about being prudent with things that seem less important.

In context, we see the author’s intent—do not rely on our wealth or position; they are not guaranteed; look at what endures. In ancient times, you might lose your position, but chances are, if you had cared well for your flock, it would still be there to support you.

What does this look like for teachers? Titles and awards come and go, but the attention to the daily, routine practices gives us stability. Do we know well the condition of our flocks—who is excelling, who needs help, and who needs to be motivated? Have we given attention to the condition of our herds? Do we manage our classrooms well? Are our lessons well planned and grade books updated as required? Do we communicate effectively with staff and parents? Do the custodial and office staff smile when they think of us? Security and peace of mind are the fruit of diligent stewardship.

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our Good Shepherd. You know our condition well and give us Your attention. You set an example for us; help us be good stewards of the people and things You’ve entrusted to us. Help us not to get discouraged, give us grace and courage to start again when we fail, and empower us to do everything for Your glory. Amen.

Copyright Diana Anderson.

Diana is a member who teaches history and art to secondary students at a Christian school in Kennewick, WA.