Proverbs 13:14 The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.
Verse 12 of this chapter is famous and loved, but this verse struck me just now. To me, this is a major reason to seek to be wise. As came out in yesterday’s message, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10) However, nothing God gives us is exclusively for the direct recipient, and that applies to wisdom as well. As Paul pointed out, “Knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” (1 Corinthians 8:1) God wants us to know things, but He wants us to use what we know to build each other up. That is wisdom! That is also what this verse is talking about. The problem is that most of us don’t respond well to unsolicited advice. Dumping truth on people actually isn’t very wise! The problem, as it so often is, is pride. That’s another reason Jesus said “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3) Little children know that they don’t know, and they are at peace with that reality. That actually is very wise! We need to realize that God is the source of all truth, and that we are incapable of absorbing all of it, but at the same time allow the truth that we do have to flow through us to bless others. That is wisdom.
Having been blessed with a high IQ, I have always tended to be rather a know-it-all, and that has driven some people away. It is as I have learned to share only when my hearers are receptive that I have acquired more friends. The reason this verse resonated with me this morning is that I deeply desire the people around me to escape the snares of the devil, which are indeed the snares of death. I can’t force anyone to listen to me, much less actually accept the truth I speak to them, so I’ve got to depend on the Holy Spirit. At the same time, as Paul told Timothy, I’ve got to “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2) It is deeply satisfying to know that I have shared God’s truth faithfully, as happened in the service yesterday, but at the same time, I can’t control people’s reception of that truth. I am a teacher by gifting, and I have been paid to teach most of my life, but the reception of what I have taught has been all over the place. Likewise, just because I have taught something true doesn’t mean I’m applying it properly in my own life. Particularly in preaching, I have had to learn that I am the first target! I want my hearers to avoid the snares of the devil, but I’ve got to keep away from them myself. Sharing God’s truth is an incredible privilege, but it is also a huge responsibility. As James said, “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1) I like being a teacher, but I’m never to take it lightly!
Father, thank You for this strong reminder. Thank You for what You spoke through me, and for the thoughtful feedback I got. I do pray that everything You speak through me would accomplish that for which You send it, (Isaiah 55:10-11) for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!
