“Learn all you can…then learn some more.”
A mentor of mine says this on a regular basis as a reminder to never stop learning. When we stop learning, pride can take a hold of our hearts. We become unteachable. We have all the answers and therefore do not need anything or anyone telling us something we need to improve.
Thus, my mentor reminds me to keep learning. Keep growing. Keep reaching. Keep challenging yourself. Keep nurturing a teachable spirit, humble heart, compassion for others, and passion for those who do not know Jesus.
It reminds me of the wisdom found in Proverbs 4:6-7:
6 Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. 7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
Proverbs 4:6-7
New International Version
Solomon is passing along to his sons what his father (King David) had passed to him. In doing so, he personifies wisdom as a woman. With care and attention, wisdom protects and watches over the one possessing it.
The counsel of the wealthy King David to his son, Solomon (who would eventually become very wealthy), was shocking: wealth is nothing compared to wisdom. Gaining wisdom was worth whatever it would cost young Solomon.
In turn, Solomon passes along the same counsel: get wisdom.
The instructions of these two verses stress not only the importance of wisdom, but also the value in someone’s life. It’s one thing to nod and admit wisdom is important; it’s quite another to actually apply wisdom to your life and live it.
The instruction makes it clear that the acquisition, value, and care of wisdom should take a high priority in our lives. Wisdom is extraordinarily valuable.
When you look at the totality of the Proverbs, we might not be surprised by these words. What might surprise us is the importance Proverbs 4:6-7 places on wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 teaches us the beginning of our journey with wisdom as our companion is the Lord.
The counsel of these verses is not atheistic. It’s not divorced from the relationship the reader is to have with the Lord. On the contrary, our relationship with the Lord is what allows us to connect with the source of wisdom.
So keep learning. Keep gaining wisdom. Stay tender towards the voice of the Lord. Keep in His Word. Don’t shut your mind to what He might be doing. Don’t shut your mind to continuously learning more from and about Him.
Gain all the wisdom you can…and then go gain some more. It’s worth it.
Life Meets Theology 