“A wise man will hear and increase learning.” Proverbs 1:5 NKJV
“A thoughtful listener and observer of life can enjoy wisdom beyond their years.”
My thoughts today are about “life lessons.”
Not everything that you need to know will come from a book. Much good does come from study and education so apply yourself diligently to learn as much as you can, but much knowledge and wisdom will also come from life. Books provide you with excellent information, giving the benefit from some of others’ experiences and insights. But be careful; just because someone is published does not make them right. Require what you are prone to embrace into your life to first be submitted to the practical and eternal truth of God’s Word.
The Bible cautions, “ a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching . . they will look for teachers who tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3 NLT. When gathering information and insight from other sources, be discriminating and discerning. Keep your objective clear; you are seeking to gain truth about how life works, not mere opinions or facts.
Don’t be too easily impressed with people who seem to be smart, until you see if they are also wise. The Bible describes some as, “always learning but never able to acknowledge truth.” 2 Timothy 3:7 NIV. With the Bible as your standard for truth and life, learn to listen to others for they have much to teach you. Everything you know does not have to be original, nor can it be.
Becoming a student of truth and a thoughtful observer of life will help you enjoy wisdom beyond your years. The Psalmist could accurately write, “I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts . . I have not departed from Your laws for You yourself have taught me.” Psalm 119:99-100/102. NIV. The psalmist was being neither presumptuous nor intellectually arrogant; he was merely asserting his regard for the supreme truth of God’s Word as the foundation for all else upon which life is to be built. It is wise that you do the same.
Some people just do not value the capacity to listen and learn from others. See Proverbs 13:20 NIV. What a mistake to try to be your own teacher and counselor. When counseling reluctant couples, I sometimes remind them that if they already possessed all the counsel and understanding they would need to resolve their relational problems, they probably would not have the problems in the first place. “Let the wise listen and add to their learning; let the discerning get guidance.” Proverbs 1:5 NIV.
There are times when you just have to hear truth from someone else to recognize it. We are often like Peter fishing all night on the Sea of Galillee with friends when a voice from the shore asked, “Have you caught anything?” To their admission of empty nets, they did as he directed and were amazed at the size of the catch that had eluded their best efforts. That voice should have been recognizable, and was, after John said, “Peter, it is the Lord!” See John 21:1-7 NLT.
Invite the Lord Jesus to be right in the middle of all the life lessons you are eager to learn. Jesus promised, “When He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth.” John 16:13 NIV.
My prayer for you today is: God grant you the wisdom to see life through the lens of truth.