Bible Reading: Proverbs 1:2-8 KJV
- Proverbs 1:5 KJV
Those who live as if they know everything never bother about personal growth. Their ego convinces them that they have arrived, and they quit growing intellectually and spiritually. Humility not only shapes our character but also determines our receptiveness to learning from God and others. Pride, on the other hand, acts as a barrier, rendering us unteachable. Let us delve into this truth through the lens of scripture.
Pride is an insidious force that can render us untouchable, unapproachable, and ultimately, unteachable. The Bible warns against the dangers of pride, reminding us of the consequences of an arrogant spirit. When we are consumed by pride, we become resistant to correction and instruction. We may believe that we already know everything we need to know, or that we are smarter than those who attempt to teach us. This mindset is dangerous, as it hinders our spiritual and intellectual growth.
As the Apostle Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:3-4 KJV, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings."
In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, Jesus teaches us the importance of humility and the dangers of pride. In Luke 18:9-14 KJV, we read, "And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."
To love instruction is to love knowledge, for it is through instruction that we gain understanding. However, pride breeds contempt for correction. When we resist reproof, we hinder our own growth and remain stagnant in our walk with God. This so eloquently stated in Proverbs 12:1 KJV, "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish."
In conclusion, let us guard against the evil influences of pride in our hearts. May we cultivate humility, recognizing our dependence on God and our continual need for His instruction. By recognizing our weaknesses and limitations, we can become teachable, receptive to instruction, and open to the transformative power of God's word. A teachable spirit opens the door to deeper intimacy with God and greater wisdom in our journey of faith.
