Talents

An understanding from the Bible, Spirit of Prophecy and the dictionary.

What is a talent?
 A synonym for the word talent is a trade.

 According to the dictionary, a trade is a noun and it means a business,

occupation or job.

 E.g. She’s in the jewellery trade.

Blueprint courses of study

INDUSTRIES
Because difficulties arise, we are not to drop the industries that have been taken
hold of as branches of education. While attending school the youth should have an
opportunity for learning the use of tools. Under the guidance of experienced
workmen, carpenters who are apt to teach, patient, and kind, the students
themselves should erect buildings on the school grounds and make needed
improvements, thus by practical lessons learning how to build economically.
The students should also be trained to manage all the different kinds of work
connected with printing, such as typesetting, presswork, and book binding,
together with tent-making and other useful lines of work. {6T 176.1}

“Unto carpenters, and builders, and masons, and to buy timber and hewn stone to
repair the house.” 2 Kings 22:6

“Now Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and timber of cedars, with
masons and carpenters, to build him an house.” 1 Chronicles 14:1

MISSIONARY WORK

The students must be given special opportunities to do missionary work, that

they may place themselves in the channel to receive and impart light. They must
make known the truth that has made them children of God. {Christian Educator,
October 1, 1898 par. 13}

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly
teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities
of tongues. [Are] all apostles? [are] all prophets? [are] all teachers? [are] all workers
of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet show I unto you a more excellent way.” 1
Corinthians 12:28-31

BOOKKEEPING

It is a matter of great importance that students obtain an education that will fit
them for successful business life. We must not be satisfied with the one-sided
education given in many schools. The common branches must be thoroughly
mastered, and a knowledge of bookkeeping should be considered as important
as a knowledge of grammar. All who expect to engage in the work of the Lord
should learn how to keep accounts. {CT 218.2}

Bookkeeping should stand as one of the most important branches of

education. There is not one in twenty who knows how to keep accounts correctly. -
-Ms 30, 1896, pp. 1, 3, 4, 8.

“They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; These see
the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.” Psalms 107:23-24

“Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons [were] for the outward business over
Israel, for officers and judges. [And] of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and his brethren,
men of valour, a thousand and seven hundred, [were] officers among them of Israel
on this side Jordan westward in all the business of the LORD, and in the service of
the king.” 1 Chronicles 26:29, 30

ENGLISH GRAMMAR

Before attempting to study the higher branches of literary knowledge, be sure that
you thoroughly understand the simple rules of English grammar and have
learned to read and write and spell correctly. Climb the lower rounds of
the ladder before reaching for the higher rounds. {CT 219.1}

“The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh
knowledge.” Proverbs 18:15

“Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” Job 38:2

“To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and
the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto
night showeth knowledge. [There is] no speech nor language, [where] their voice is
not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of
the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which [is] as a bridegroom
coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.” Psalms
19:1-5
COMPOSITION & WRITING

There is a great deficiency in our schools in the line of composition, writing, and
bookkeeping. These are as essential for the practical life as the science of grammar.-
-Ms 30, 1896, pp. 1, 3, 4, 8.

“And [as for] the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves
according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the LORD.”
Exodus 30:37

“Forasmuch as an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting

of dreams, and showing of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in
the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar: now let Daniel be called, and
he will show the interpretation.” Daniel 5:12

READING

Attention should also be given to reading, for this is a branch of study greatly
neglected. It requires much training to be able to read properly. Through the lack of
this training, one-half of the force of the other instruction will be lost. Teachers who
are not competent to give instruction in this line, and to teach correct pronunciation,
and where to place the emphasis, should become learners till they can read with
proper emphasis, and with a full, clear, distinct tone of voice. --Ms 30, 1896, pp. 1,
3, 4, 8.

“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and
caused [them] to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” 1 Timothy

4:13

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

One of the fundamental branches of learning is language study. In all our schools
special care should be taken to teach the students to use the English
language correctly in speaking, reading, and writing. Too much cannot be
said in regard to the importance of thoroughness in these lines. One of the most
essential qualifications of a teacher is the ability to speak and read distinctly and
forcibly. He who knows how to use the English language fluently and correctly can
exert a far greater influence than one who is unable to express his thought readily
and clearly. {CT 216.3}

“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of
administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is
the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to
every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to
another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same
Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of
miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers]
kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh
that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 1
Corinthians 12:4-11

COOKING

It is highly essential that the art of cookery be considered one of the most
important branches of education. There are but few good cooks. {CD 260.3}

The students in our schools should be taught how to cook. Let tact and skill
be brought into this branch of education. {CD 476.1}

“And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a
king…… And he will take your daughters [to be] confectionaries, and [to be] cooks,
and [to be] bakers.” 1 Samuel 8:10, 13

CHRISTIAN SOCIABILITY

Christian sociability is altogether too little cultivated by God's people. This branch
of education should not be neglected or lost sight of in our schools. {MYP 405.1}

“For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth [cometh] knowledge and
understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: [he is] a buckler to
them that walk uprightly.” Proverbs 2:6, 7

PHYSIOLOGY

It is well that physiology is introduced into the common schools as a branch of

education. All children should study it. It should be regarded as the basis of all
educational effort. And then parents should see to it that practical hygiene be
added. This will make their knowledge of physiology of practical benefit.--H. R. {HL
13.4}

In the study of physiology, pupils should be led to see the value of physical
energy and how it can be so preserved and developed as to contribute in the
highest degree to success in life's great struggle. {Ed 196.1}

“And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it
and to keep it.” Genesis 2:15

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in
you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a
price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.” 1
Corinthians 6:19, 20

PRINTING, DRESSMAKING, GARDENING, BOOKBINDING, CONSTRUCTION

This education, in felling trees, tilling the soil, erecting buildings, as well as in
literature, is the education our youth should each seek to obtain. Further on, a
printing-press should be connected with our school, in order to educate in this
line. Tent-making also should be learned. There are also many things which the
lady students may be engaged in. There is cooking, dressmaking, and gardening
to be done. Strawberries should be planted, plants and flowers cultivated. This the
lady students may be called out of doors to do. Thus they may be educated to useful
labor. Bookbinding also, and a variety of trades, should be taken up. These will not
only be putting into exercise brain, bone, and muscle, but will also be gaining
knowledge. {PH081 25.2}

“And Solomon's builders and Hiram's builders did hew [them], and the
stonesquarers: so they prepared timber and stones to build the house.” 1 Kings
5:18

“I made me gardens and orchards, and I planted trees in them of all [kind of]
fruits:” Ecclesiastes 2:5

"For I have not dwelt in an house since the day that I brought up Israel unto this
day; but have gone from tent to tent, and from [one] tabernacle [to another]." 1
Chronicles 17:5

SPEECH

The talent of speech is to be carefully studied and carefully guarded. This is

the most important branch of education, but one which is sadly neglected in all our
associations. --Ms 77, 1897.

One of the finest and most elevating branches of education is that of knowing how
to address members of the household, that the influence of the words
spoken will be pure and incorruptible. The proper conversation of a Christian is
that which will enable him to interchange ideas. {VSS 34.3}

Our education in regard to the science of conversation will be in every way

improved if we make the Word of God our study. This branch of education has been
woefully neglected. Many receive diplomas from colleges who have not earned them
by gaining an all-round education. Teachers and pupils are apt to skip the important
matter of the education of speech.--Ms 74, 1897.

"For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the
Lord Jesus Christ:" Philippians 3:20
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of
conversation;" 1 Peter 1:15

"Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth [his] conversation
[aright] will I show the salvation of God." Psalms 50:23

GEOGRAPHY/SOCIOLOGY

Instead of burdening their memories with an array of names and theories that have
no bearing upon their lives, and to which, once outside the schoolroom, they rarely
give a thought, let them study all lands in the light of missionary effort and
become acquainted with the peoples and their needs. {Ed 269.2}

“The great day of the LORD [is] near, [it is] near, and hasteth greatly, [even] the
voice of the day of the LORD: the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.” Zephaniah
1:14

HISTORY

As too often taught, history is little more than a record of the rise and fall of kings,
the intrigues of courts, the victories and defeats of armies--a story of ambition and
greed, of deception, cruelty, and bloodshed. Thus taught, its results cannot but
be detrimental. The heart-sickening reiteration of crimes and atrocities,
the enormities, the cruelties portrayed, plant seeds that in many lives
bring forth fruit in a harvest of evil. Far better is it to learn, in the light of
God's word, the causes that govern the rise and fall of kingdoms. Let the
youth study these records, and see how the true prosperity of nations has
been bound up with an acceptance of the divine principles. Let him study
the history of the great reformatory movements, and see how often these
principles, though despised and hated, their advocates brought to the
dungeon and the scaffold, have through these very sacrifices triumphed.
{Ed 238.4}

Human historians relate man's achievements, his victories in battles, his

success in climbing to worldly greatness. God's history describes man as
heaven views him. In the divine records all his merit is seen to consist in
his obedience to God's requirements. {BTS, December 1, 1912 par. 2}

Man's experience and history are occupied with himself, his own achievements and
victories. God's history, as traced with unerring accuracy in the books of
heaven, describes man as seen in the light of eternity. All his motives and
all his actions are seen in their relation to eternal realities. Everything said
and done has a reference to tremendous issues which we must meet
again. {SpTA09 66.4}
"In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon Daniel had a dream and visions of his
head upon his bed: then he wrote the dream, [and] told the sum of the matters.
Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of
the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea,
diverse one from another. The first [was] like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld
till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made
stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. And behold
another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and [it
had] three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it,
Arise, devour much flesh. After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which
had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and
dominion was given to it. After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth
beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it
devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it
[was] diverse from all the beasts that [were] before it; and it had ten horns. I
considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn,
before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and,
behold, in this horn [were] eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great
things." Daniel 7:1-8

MATHEMATICS

In the study of figures the work should be made practical. Let every youth and
every child be taught, not merely to solve imaginary problems, but to keep
an accurate account of his own income and outgoes. Let him learn the
right use of money by using it. Whether supplied by their parents or by
their own earnings, let boys and girls learn to select and purchase their
own clothing, their books, and other necessities; and by keeping an
account of their expenses they will learn, as they could learn in no other
way, the value and the use of money. {Ed 238,239}

CAUTION :

...a book dealing with mathematical formulas...relate to the intellect

alone...{OHC 105.2}

“To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion.”
Proverbs 1:4

“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is
brought into the house of the LORD, [even] the money of every one that passeth
[the account], the money that every man is set at, [and] all the money that cometh
into any man's heart to bring into the house of the LORD,” 2 Kings 12:4
HOME ECONOMICS

It is not so important that our daughters learn painting, fancy work, music, or
even "cube root," or the figures of rhetoric, as that they learn how to cut,
make, and mend their own clothing, or to prepare food in a wholesome
and palatable manner. When a little girl is nine or ten years old, she should be
required to take her regular share in household duties, as she is able, and should be
held responsible for the manner in which she does her work. {FE 74.3}

If need be, a young woman can dispense with a knowledge of French and
algebra, or even of the piano; but it is indispensable that she learn to make
good bread, to fashion neatly fitting garments, and to perform efficiently
the many duties that pertain to homemaking. {CG 371.2}

"Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into
the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the
coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them." Acts 9:39

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." Proverbs
31:13

SCIENCE

God is the author of science. Scientific research opens to the mind vast fields of
thought and information, enabling us to see God in His created works.
Ignorance may try to support skepticism by appealing to science; but
instead of upholding skepticism, true science contributes fresh evidences
of the wisdom and power of God. Rightly understood, science and the
written word agree, and each sheds light on the other. Together they lead
us to God by teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws
through which He works. {CT 426.2}

Human science is not divine enlightenment. Divine science is the demonstration of

the Spirit of God, inspiring implicit faith in him. {RH, July 18, 1899 par.
14}

There must be education in the sciences, and education in plans and

methods of working the soil. {FE 318.2} (Economy is a very valuable
science.) {MM 176.2)

The foundation of all true science is contained in the Bible. Every branch of
knowledge may be found by searching the word of God. {COL 107.2}

In true science there can be nothing contrary to the teaching of the word
of God, for both have the same Author. A correct understanding of both
will always prove them to be in harmony. Truth, whether in nature or in
revelation, is harmonious with itself in all its manifestations. But the mind
not enlightened by God's Spirit will ever be in darkness in regard to His
power. This is why human ideas in regard to science so often contradict
the teaching of God's word. {8T 258.2}

In the study of science, as generally pursued, there are dangers equally great.
Evolution and its kindred errors are taught in schools of every grade, from
the kindergarten to the college. Thus the study of science, which should
impart a knowledge of God, is so mingled with the speculations and
theories of men that it tends to infidelity. {Ed 227.3}

A knowledge of true science is power, and it is the purpose of God that this
knowledge shall be taught in our schools as a preparation for the work
that is to precede the closing scenes of this earth's history. {CT 19.1}

“And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, [and] strength of
salvation: the fear of the LORD [is] his treasure.” Isaiah 33:6

AGRICULTURE

Study in agricultural lines should be the A, B, and C of the education given

in our schools. This is the very first work that should be entered upon. Our schools
should not depend upon imported produce, for grain and vegetables, and the fruits
so essential to health. {6T 179.2}

"And sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase."
Psalms 107:37

"Also he built towers in the desert, and digged many wells: for he had much cattle,
both in the low country, and in the plains: husbandmen [also], and vine dressers in
the mountains, and in Carmel: for he loved husbandry." 2 Chronicles 26:10

THEOLOGY

In every school established, the most simple theory of theology should be

taught. In this theory the atonement of Christ should be the great substance,
the central truth. The wonderful theme of redemption should be presented to the
students.--MS. 156, 1898.

And, to a great degree, theology, as studied and taught, is but a record of

human speculation, serving only to "darken counsel by words without
knowledge." Too often the motive in accumulating these many books is not so much
a desire to obtain food for mind and soul, as it is an ambition to become acquainted
with philosophers and theologians, a desire to present Christianity to the
people in learned terms and propositions. {MH 442.3}
"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according
to the riches of his grace;" Ephesians 1:7

"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great
glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your
heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." Luke 21:27, 28

"But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more
perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither
by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the
holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us]. For if the blood of bulls and
of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the
purifying of the flesh: How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead
works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new
testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that
were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of
eternal inheritance." Hebrews 9:11-15

“Who [is] this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?” Job 38:2

MEDICAL

It is not necessary that our medical missionaries follow the precise track
marked out by medical men of the world. They do not need to administer
drugs to the sick. They do not need to follow the drug medication in order
to have influence in their work. The message was given me that if they
would consecrate themselves to the Lord, if they would seek to obtain
under men ordained of God a thorough knowledge of their work, the Lord
would make them skilful. Some of our medical missionaries have supposed
that a medical training according to the plans of worldly schools is
essential to their success. To those who have thought that the only way to
success is by being taught by worldly men and by pursuing a course that is
sanctioned by worldly men, I would now say, Put away such ideas. This is
a mistake that should be corrected. It is a dangerous thing to catch the
spirit of the world; the popularity which such a course invites, will bring
into the work a spirit which the Word of God can not sanction. It is a lack of
faith in the power of God that leads our physicians to lean so much on the
arm of the law, and to trust so much to the influence of worldly powers.
The true medical missionary will be wise in the treatment of the sick,
using the remedies that nature provides. And then he will look to Christ as
the true healer of diseases. The principles of health reform brought into
the life of the patient, the use of nature's remedies, and the cooperation of
divine agencies in behalf of the suffering, will bring success. {RH, March 6,
1913 par. 1}

You may attain success in the education of students as medical missionaries

without a medical school that can qualify physicians to compete with the
physicians of the world. Let the students be given a practical education.
The less dependent you are upon worldly methods of education, the better
it will be for the students. {GCB, June 4, 1909 par. 6}

I would now advise that none of our young people attach themselves to worldly
medical institutions in the hope of gaining better success, or stronger
influence as physicians. MedEv, October 1, 1909 par. 7

Those in our ranks who qualify as physicians are to receive only such education as is
in harmony with these divine truths. Some have advised that students should, after
taking some work at Loma Linda, complete their medical education in worldly
colleges. But this is not in harmony with the Lord's plan. God is our
wisdom, our sanctification, and our righteousness. Facilities should be
provided at Loma Linda, that the necessary instruction in medical lines
may be given by instructors who fear the Lord, and who are in harmony
with His plans for the treatment of the sick. MedEv, October 1, 1909 par.6

In our college the ambition should not be so great to send forth

intellectual giants, as to make a success in the holy work of educating
men and women to cherish firm principles, and to live for the higher
immortal life.--Ms 30, 1896, pp. 1, 3, 4, 8.

"And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father: and the
physicians embalmed Israel." Genesis 50:2

"When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord,
shall we smite with the sword? And one of them smote the servant of the high
priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far.
And he touched his ear, and healed him." Luke 22:49-51

"And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody
flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed
him. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came,
and were healed:" Acts 28:7, 8

"And a certain woman, which had an issue of blood twelve years, And had suffered
many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing
bettered, but rather grew worse, When she had heard of Jesus, came in the press
behind, and touched his garment. For she said, If I may touch but his clothes, I shall
be whole. And straightway the fountain of her blood was dried up; and she felt in
[her] body that she was healed of that plague." Mark 5:25-29

The Parable of the Talents

Matthew 25:14-30

Letter 180, 1907 (5BC 1100)

Why do we need to utilise them?

Counsels on Health, p. 26

Maranatha, p.126

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 11-27-00

That I May Know Him, p.175

Spiritual Gifts, Volume 4B, p.17

This Day with God, p. 20

Sermons and Talks Volume Two, p. 95

Early Writings of Ellen G. White, p. 100

Selected Messages Book 2, p. 214

Testimonies for the Church Volume Three, p. 542

Welfare Ministry, p. 83

Gospel Workers, p. 120

Second Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 02-12-80

Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, 08-11-91

Summary
Talents of All Needed.– The Lord has a place for everyone in His great plan.
Talents that are not needed are not bestowed. To every man God gives talents,
which are to be improved according to His several ability. Supposing the talent is
small, God has a place for it; and that one talent, if used, will do the very work God
designed that it should do. The talents of the humble cottager are needed in house-
to-house labor and can accomplish more in this work than brilliant gifts. And he who
uses aright his one talent will be as verily rewarded as he who uses aright five
talents. It is for working according to the ability given that God rewards His
servants.– Letter 41, 1899 {WM 101.4}