Teachable

“Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭9‬:‭9‬

Have you ever been in a place where you think you know everything about something? Maybe you have put in the work and become what some may call an expert. So how could anyone teach you anything about that? Especially someone who is less trained than you are? 

When you have put in the work on something it is nice to get the recognition. To have someone come along and affirm the work you have done. To remind you of how knowledgeable you are on the subject. But never get to a place where you think you are above learning. 

When we look at Jesus' life and ministry we see how He confronted the religious leaders of the day. The Pharisees and Sadducees had gotten to a place where they were above learning. Especially not from the common folk. There was no way an unschooled person could teach them about God! Jesus put them in their place. He compared them to those they wouldn’t even eat with. He reprimanded them on multiple occasions. 

So what am I trying to say here? Never think you are above teaching. A know-it-all shows their arrogance. One who listens and learns shows their wisdom. Which place do you want to be? 

This verse tells us that wisdom goes beyond knowledge, reminding us that we will never know everything. We can always be taught. I have taught in various places. I teach my children as often as they will listen, but I have also been taught by my children. 

Experience is a good teacher, but so are the young and inexperienced! We don’t always know where the next lesson will come from, but we will only see it if we are open to it. Be open, listen and learn. You will never know everything. And the moment you think you can’t be taught is when you start showing yourself stupid. I’m

Luke 20:26

Luke 20:26 – They were unable to trap Him in what He had said there in public. And astonished by His answer, they became silent.

         As Jesus taught He gained more popularity with the people. They were following Him and listening to everything He said. This made the religious leaders jealous. They wanted the popularity; the people were supposed to listen to them. Everyday more and more people began looking to Jesus and so, every day, the leaders grew madder and madder.

         They thought that maybe if they discredited Him the people would come back to them. In their attempt to do this they would ask Him questions, but these were not just any questions. These questions were designed to trick Him into saying something that He didn’t mean.

         Jesus, however, was not easily tricked. Jesus had the wisdom of God and the Holy Spirit to guide Him in what to say and do. Every time they tried to trick Him He answered in such a way that would leave them speechless.

         So what does that mean for us? Well, we have the same Spirit on the inside of us, and we have access to the same wisdom. If you have a habit of saying something before you think about it, slow down. Think before you say; let the Spirit of God guide you in wisdom and direct your words.

         Sometimes being quiet is the best way, but then other times saying something is necessary. So whether you are in the habit of saying too much or not saying anything at all you need to change your ways. Be sensitive and obedient to the Spirit and speak when you need to and shut up when you don’t.

         James says that if you can tame the tongue you will be a perfect person. Jesus had control of what He said, speaking wisdom at the right times. If we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit we too will be able to control our tongues.

Luke 21:14-15

Luke 21:14-15 - But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to contradict.

Before Jesus says this He warns us that there will be persecutions in our lives. We will face trials and troubles because of Him. Then He tells us this. Jesus knows that it is common for us to worry. Especially when we know something is coming; we want to make sure we are ready. Sometimes we spend hours or even days trying to play out the situation in our minds, so that when it comes we are prepared and have the “right things” to say.

In this passage Jesus doesn't just tell us not to worry, He says “make up your mind not to worry.” It’s a conscious decision. We have to make a choice, “No matter what happens I will not worry.” Then comes the promise. Jesus doesn't stop at, “Don’t worry.” He goes on to give us reason why we do not have to worry, “I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to contradict.” Basically we are promised words that no one will be able to argue with. 

Your situations will be like those of Jesus. When the Pharisee’s would approach Jesus, looking to trap Him in His words, they would be left dumbfounded. They would ask Him a trick question, He would answer, and the bible says, “they were amazed at His wisdom and did not ask Him anymore questions.” That is how it will be for us.

We do need to realize that it is not our words or wisdom that will stop people in their tracks, it will be God’s wisdom through us. That is why we do not need to worry beforehand. No matter how much time or effort we put into our preparation, we could never come close to matching the wisdom of God. So, make your preparation in the Word of God and prayer and then trust Him to speak through you when the time comes.