December 3
PROVERBS 21
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise;
when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The Righteous One observes the house of the wicked;
he throws the wicked down to ruin.
13 Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor
will himself call out and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.
– Proverbs 21:11-15
PROVERBS 21 THE TEACHABLE SPIRIT
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When the wise receives instruction, they accept it
But when fools are given guidance, they don’t listen
The wise and humble person has a teachable spirit
They don’t ever think that they know everything
But the wicked only want their opinion voiced
They do not want to hear others or be taught
The fool continues to go on his foolish ways
But the wise pursues wisdom all of his life.
Have you ever tried to tell something to someone and they cannot absorb what you are saying? Their minds are not on what you are instructing them about because they do not care about your opinion or point of view. All they ever care about is that they have aired out their opinion and attention is on them. They do not seek counsel or even think that there is another person outside of themselves who can have a better opinion apart from them. They have no concern or care for others and they have close ears and eyes to the needs of others. This is called an unteachable spirit. It is the spirit of being unable to have a sense of what is good or what is bad. It is a spirit driven by love for “self.” It is that tendency to cater only for what they want. It is like a spoiled brat who will never bend or compromise at getting their most desired wants at the time they think of it.
REFLECTION
• Share an experience you had with the unteachable spirit.
