It’s here. The Spring 2019 semester has arrived. It brings special meaning for me. Yes, I’m looking forward to my classes and meeting a new round of students, but above and beyond all of that, this is the semester that my oldest son graduates from high school.
I couldn’t be more proud.
As he finishes up public schooling and gets ready for college, I think about all the instruction he has heard thus far. I think about the instruction he is about to gain as he begins his journey through higher education. There is so much he will learn; both inside and outside the classroom, and I’m excited for him.
As we read through Proverbs 19-21, there are several verses that key in on instruction. How the wise handle it, how wisdom comes from it, and a mandate to gain it are all present. Interestingly, it starts with self.
“Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.”
Proverbs 19:8 (ESV)
I think humanists would love this verse. “If you have wisdom, you’ll love your own soul.” While I think there is value in that rendering of the verse – the notion of self-acceptance as a sign of wisdom – I don’t think that’s what this verse means. I believe what Solomon is saying here is that gaining sense is an act of self-love, and the understanding that comes with it makes us prosperous. To gain sense means to accept instruction – from example or experience.
“Listen to advice and accept instruction that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Proverbs 19:20 (ESV)
When we choose to pay attention to teaching, we open the door to a better future. And rest assured, there is always something to be learned. Even bad examples teach, so long as we are open to being taught. What Solomon is getting at here is our attitude toward instruction. The wise person recognizes they always have room to grow, so he is always listening for prospective wisdom. The fool, however…
“Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
Proverbs 19:27 (ESV)
When our attitude shifts away from being teachable, we set ourselves up for pain. As we remain open to instruction, we can benefit from the words of the wise and the stories of those who have gone before us. But, if we close our ears, then we become unteachable by example. Then only experience remains, and experience can be a brutal teacher.
“When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.”
Proverbs 21:11 (ESV)
So, let us listen with wise ears. Let us remain open to learning, that we may grow in wisdom, and avoid the fool’s punishment. Above all, let us ensure that we always operate with an attitude that we still have something to learn.
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