Proverbs 12: If You Love Learning
Thursday, July 18, 2024
The school in which I teach has a front portico with seven columns as a direct, overt message that we seek knowledge. (See Proverbs 9.) The school motto is: Veritatem prosequimur – Pursue truth. For an institution of learning, the image of Wisdom building her house is apt. Today we explore several verses from Chapter 12 as we reflect on the value of taking advice.
If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—
how shortsighted to refuse correction!
Acceptance of a valid critique is a sign of strength rather than weakness.
You can’t find firm footing in a swamp,
but life rooted in God stands firm.
Building our spiritual house on Christ is a sign of our confidence in The Word.
The words of the wicked kill;
the speech of the upright saves.
The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble;
the conversation of good people keeps them out of it.
Sharing The Word with others is an invitation to the Spirit.
Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly;
the prudent quietly shrug off insults.
Living The Word brings us fortitude rather than fear.
Evil scheming distorts the schemer;
peace-planning brings joy to the planner.
No evil can overwhelm a good person,
but the wicked have their hands full of it.
Living as Jesus teaches is a sign of courage rather than submission.
Prudent people don’t flaunt their knowledge;
talkative fools broadcast their silliness.
Sharing The Word in the Spirit is a sign that the Kingdom of God is here. The Kingdom of God is now.
When we compare other translations of these verses, we find that a love of learning is essential for workers in the Kingdom.
The Noontimes 