Much emphasis, today, is placed upon education and learning. There are those who believe that a four year from a major college or university is necessary to succeed in life. Though I would never want to dismiss or diminish anyone’s education, we must admit that learning is not restricted to book knowledge. Instead, learning also comes from daily life experiences.
If you accidently touch a hot stove and burn your hand, you learn quickly not to do it again. If you drive at an excessive rate of speed, a policeman may ticket you, the court may fine you, and you must suffer the consequences. As a result, you learn to slow down.
Some lessons in life are learned the hard way. Perhaps our spouse, parent or a friend have told us repeatedly to do, or not do, something. In our headstrong way we did not listen, and the consequences were painful.
There are so many people that look at the ‘do’s and don’ts’ given through Scripture who do not listen or heed the warning of God. They think that God just doesn’t want us to have fun in this life. Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the Bible tells us that God’s Word is “given for reproof, for correction and for instruction in righteousness.”
God said, “Do not steal, do not covet, do not kill,” among other things. Why? Because God knows what is best for us, and certainly does not want us to suffer the consequences that result in wrongful attitudes or actions. We know that many who have coveted that which belongs to another often resort to stealing, and even taking the life of another in the process. Though such would never happen to most of us, it does happen to some. The consequences are painful and long-lasting.
Proverbs 1:5 tells us “A wise man will hear and will increase in learning.” Such learning does not always come from a book, but from experience, and experience begins with hearing instruction. Sometimes we may not want to hear the advice of others and are determined to do our own thing, our own way. But have you ever considered the fact that when people offer their advice of instruction, it is because they have already ‘been there and done that?’ In advising us they may simply be trying to save us from ourselves: that is, through time, money, frustration and even pain.
We are never too old to learn new things. May we listen to others and even heed their advice or warning; for, in doing so we will increase in learning and may even be able help someone else. -Jerry L. Dunn, Oak Street Baptist Church
