Desiring Instruction!

HOW OPEN are we to instruction? Perhaps you are not looking forward to school today because you would rather do "your own thing"; something more enjoyable than sitting in a classroom. However, instruction helps to prepare for things yet to come. Though the process may sometimes seem tedious and perhaps even painful, we are made better persons by it.

There is a sense in which all of life is a classroom where there is opportunity for instruction. Though it may sometimes be a hard and unpleasant means of learning, experience teaches us many things. We also learn from the reproofs we receive as others redirect our focus and life toward a better path. And above all, there is the knowledge and wisdom of God that is not to be neglected. BEING OPEN to all this is extremely important.

In Proverbs Solomon had a lot to say about instruction and the importance of wisdom. That wisdom is shown in the acceptance and proper application of the instruction received.

In the very first chapter of Proverbs we read. . .
"(7) The FEAR OF THE LORD IS THE BEGINNING OF KNOWLEDGE; fools despise wisdom and instruction." ( Proverbs 1:7 ESV)

Acknowledging God and the wisdom of His Will is where the gaining of the greatest knowledge begins. How foolish it is to despise it. However, many in this world do and are receiving the "fruit of their way" and the "fill of their own devices." ( Proverbs 1:31 ESV)

Further into Proverbs we read. . .
"(9) GIVE INSTRUCTION TO A WISE MAN, AND HE WILL BE STILL WISER; TEACH A RIGHTEOUS MAN, and HE WILL INCREASE IN LEARNING. (10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." ( Proverbs 9:9-10 ESV)

Some seem to think they are too wise to need further instruction. One thing a "know it all" does not know (or at least acknowledge) is that they do not know it all. Every time we open God's Word there is something to be learned or understood more clearly. As we discuss the Scriptures with one another we also gain further insight into the knowledge and wisdom that provides a foundation for better living. Are we REMAINING OPEN to it?

In the next chapter we read. . .
"(17) Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but HE WHO REJECTS REPROOF LEADS OTHERS ASTRAY." ( Proverbs 10:17 ESV)

To reject needed guidance can place one in the position of being a bad, rather than good example. BEING OPEN to it aids in keeping our life on the right track and therefore a path others can be safe in following after.

Two chapters further Solomon stated. . .
"(1) WHOEVER LOVES DISCIPLINE LOVES KNOWLEDGE, but he who hates reproof is stupid." ( Proverbs 12:1 ESV)

. . . and . . .

"(15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but A WISE MAN LISTENS TO ADVICE." ( Proverbs 12:15 ESV)

Do we love the knowledge that brings the discipline our life needs? It is "stupid" to reject that which we need because we lose out on the opportunity to become more of what God wants us to be. The reason a fool rejects guidance is that he views his own way as being right. He doesn't need to listen because he knows all he need to know already. Are we STILL OPEN for further learning?

More than what we see as we look at our life is to seek what it is that God sees! What is the picture of our life compared to His Word? May we BE OPEN as we read it and others direct our attention toward it. Being wise in seeking further instruction from God will continue to make us wiser still.

Have a great day REMAINING OPEN TO THE BENEFIT OF LIFELONG LEARNING!
Carl

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