For many, the old adage “live and learn” translates into a call to “turn a deaf ear” to the voices of wisdom around them. After all, if experience is the best teacher, then what good does it serve to sit at the feet of another?
Proverbs 1, however, reminds us that we can avoid much pain and trial, as well as, save valuable time by tuning into the godly counsel around us. In the words of John Dickson, “We can glean in 5 minutes what may otherwise take us six months,” if we learn to listen.
The truth is, wisdom’s best apprentices embrace both. They understand that while it is essential to glean all one can from experience, we grow truly wise when we Listen And Learn.
Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance.”
Proverbs 1:20 & 23 “Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. Come and listen to my counsel. I'll share my heart with you and make you wise.”
Proverbs 1:33 “But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”
- Micah McElveen