Being Teachable & Showing Respect - Quick Observations - Proverbs 1:1-7

Quick links to the passage: KJV NKJV NASB NIV

Before we get started, there are still a few spots left in the upcoming bible study that we will have online starting in June. If you are interest, just sign up on the form to the right. If you sign up when all the spots are filled, you will be placed into a waiting list and then be notified when the next bible study will start. Now onto the quick observation.

After the first verse attributes the author of the book to Solomon, king of Israel, the first thing I notice is a list. Exactly what is it a list of? Here we see a list of abilities: to know, to discern, to receive, to give, and to understand. But also notice what these abilities are connected to: wisdom and instruction, the sayings of understanding, instruction in wise behavior et al, prudence, and a proverb and a figure et al. I thought to myself that it would be great to be able to do these proficiently. I’m sure it would save me from a lot of stupid mistakes that I have made in the past and what I am about to make in the future.

Then it hit me…

When I noticed who needs to learn these abilities, I was humbled. In verse 5 it says this is for the wise man and the man of understanding. I thought that wise and understanding people already know how to do these things. I consider myself neither wise nor understanding. How is it possible for me to learn these abilities when those who are wiser have to learn them? Do I need to become wise before I can do these? Aren’t these the abilities to make one wise and understanding?

Then the answer rung in my head after looking at verse 5 again. The wise man will hear and increase in learning. The man of understanding will acquire wise counsel. If we could somehow measure wisdom and understanding numerically, it does not matter how high on the scale you would be, you would need to hear and increase in learning and acquire wise counsel. We have a word for that: teachability. No matter how far you have reached or how much you have attained in life, you should always be teachable. You should always have the mentality that you have never arrived yet. This is an attitude that anyone can have, if they choose to do so. No ability required for it. When you are teachable, then you are ready to acquire the abilities listed here.

So where do you start then? That verse lies in verse 7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge. Fear shows a level of respect. You do not show disrespect to something or someone you fear. We should not be cowardice toward God, but fearfully respect who He is and what He has to say. When you fear God, you are poised to learn from Him and follow where He leads. This also shows a level of trust. When you fear God, you will trust what He says and does, knowing that otherwise would bring consequences.

So for us to learn these abilities listed, we must have fear God and be teachable. Then we will be ready to learn and grow in wisdom and understanding.