July 9 - Prov. 9

Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his knowledge.
Prov. 9:9

The world we live in has what seems to be an abundance of knowledge at its fingertips. Any question you may have is just a few keystrokes away from a list of Google links or YouTube videos that will provide a host of answers. Wikipedia has replaced the encyclopedias that gather dust on our shelves. We live in an age of instant answers and abundant information.

And yet all the information in the world cannot help the person who does not have a teachable spirit. These people often cloak themselves with pride and arrogance, claiming to have all the answers. However, this chapter in the Proverbs calls it something else: folly. It is represented by a figure that also calls out in the streets and makes great claims, yet she mocks common sense and leads her suitors to the grave (v. 13-18).

There is a gift in store for those with a teachable spirit; new understanding of the riches and depth of a relationship with the author and creator of life. Once again we are reminded that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (v. 10).