AM I TEACHABLE?

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction – Proverbs 1:7

Teachableness precedes Uprightness. God gives instructions to the teachable (Psa. 25:12). Part of what distinguishes a teachable heart from an unteachable one is the willingness to learn that which is needful to learn, even if it is uncomfortable, unpleasant or seemingly unnecessary, rather than just the willingness to learn that which you fancifully wish or desire to learn. The little eaglet may never learn unless it is ready to be thrust out of the nest, even at the risk of a fatal fall. Being teachable is an essential quality for living a practical Christian life characterized by peace, prosperity, and well-being.

Ask yourself: Am I teachable? Or do I despise it when others tell me what they think I should know? Do I seek instruction? Do I desire to “know” so I can tell others how much I think I know and prove that I am right and others are wrong? Or do I desire to learn from others so their knowledge invested in me can lead me to be a better person? There is a big difference between the two postures. The pitfall of an unteachable fool is to be wise in his own eyes. There is a stark contrast between the benefits of seeking wisdom and the pitfalls of fools: The path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day. The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble (Prov. 4:18-19).

A teachable person is non-defensive. He or she is not overly sensitive to correction, but quickly admits an error and seeks to learn how to be better next time. A teachable person allows others to speak truths learned from experience into his or her life. A teachable person does not make autocratic decisions but seeks wisdom and knowledge from multiple counsellors: “…in a multitude of counselors there is safety” (Pro.24:6). A teachable person is a seeker of wisdom who has the fear of the Lord in his or her life, and who in gaining wisdom, avoids foolish decisions: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight" (Prov. 9:10).

A teachable person is devoid of rebellion, because wisdom and rebellion cannot cohabitate. As you pursue the “knowledge of the Holy One” you’ll gain discernment and insight, and remain permanently liberated from deception. Do a self-inventory. Have you been making major decisions without seeking input, counsel or confirmation from godly confidants? It is often easier to simply ease your conscience by asking advice from people who barely know you rather than submitting your will to the wise counsel of people who really know you and would tell you the “blunt or bitter truth”! On the pathway of Uprightness, you must become a sincere Seeker of Wisdom through knowledge and the fear of the Lord. How teachable are you?