Thoughts from the Book of Proverbs
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
The Book of Proverbs should be on everyone’s list of “must reads”.
The Book opens with David telling Solomon to listen and learn. To get knowledge. Not clever stuff but life changing stuff. David explains that the route to useful knowledge is to FEAR the Lord. The idea of fear is too often mixed up with being SCARED. That’s not it! Fear in this context is about having respect, reverence, awe. After all, King David could hardly be called a “scaredy-cat”! He protected his sheep from wolves and bears – and he took on Goliath.
The bottom line in this kind of fear is humility. So, it is foolish to ignore words that will make you wise.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam decided that knowing Good and Evil would be a benefit – make him like a god. Give him a fast track to knowing everything. Well, we know the outcome of that! But, I do find it strange that humans are not so keen on knowledge or wisdom now! Even Christians can be a bit dismissive of learning from others.
Jesus said:
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.