Farming is a Liberal Art

Farmers sometimes get a bad rap as being “country bumkins,” but in fact they have much in common with King Solomon. Solomon is known as the wisest man in the world, but he also had a breadth of knowledge concerning the physical world that fascinated dignitaries far and wide. In 1 Kings 4:33-34 “He [Solomon] spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke about animals and birds, reptiles and fish. From all nations people came to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, sent by all the kings of the world, who had heard of his wisdom.” Likewise, a good farmer must have some understanding of the weather and climate (meteorology), soil health (geography/geology), building barns and fences (math), tractors and their tools (mechanics), animal husbandry (biology/genetics), planting, pruning and fertilizing (botany/chemistry), and first aid (medicine). Just to name a few. Naturally, not every farmer utilizes each of these bodies of knowledge, but having an understanding of the world across multiple disciplines allows him to be a creative and resourceful problem-solver. This trait is a must for those dependent on the uncontrollable forces of nature. Living so close to the land, the farmer is emersed in the awesome power, yet stunning beauty of nature, inspiring him to become something of a theologian as well. Knowledge may be a good in and of itself but the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. So, while Solomon may not be known as a farmer himself, I’m sure the profession had his deepest respect. And so it should ours.