Proverbs 12: Prerequisite For Proverbs

Solomon's book of proverbs is filled with lots of good advice - but what good does any of it do if we don't approach it with a teachable spirit?

"Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to advice" (vs. 15).  In my experience, it seems that most people feel they are already wise and mature.  They believe that reconsideration of their opinions and following advice is for others.  That prideful attitude flies in the face of what Solomon reveals about true wisdom.

Socrates - a widely respected philosopher even among nonChristians - is credited with the statement, "I know that I know nothing."  In other words, Socrates was freely willing to admit his limitations and lack of knowledge.  This made him intellectually curious and teachable, and he would engage in dialogues with others in pursuit of the truth.  Unfortunately, Socrates' questioning would usually reveal that the experts with whom he consulted were also guilty of knowing nothing - a fact which they would pridefully refuse to admit, however.

Why do some people repeatedly make the same mistakes in life?  You may have heard the expression, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."  (For the record, I dispute that simple definition encompasses the meaning of insanity!)  We often see this tendency in poor choices that people make in their occupations, relationships, or stewardship.  Instead of realizing that they "know nothing" and seeking advice, they persist in thinking their own way is right, even if the evidence indicates otherwise.

So what am I suggesting?  Take an honest self-evaluation of your life.  Are there areas you could benefit from admitting that you "know nothing" and could use some advice?  Another reputed quote by Socrates is, "The unexamined life is not worth living."  I think Solomon, who predated Socrates by about 500 years, would agree.  If you blindly think your own way is right, you are a fool.  It is the wise who heed advice!  A teachable spirit is a prerequisite for applying the proverbs to your life.