Listen and Hear

          Short studies today in Proverbs 13, Psalm 43, and Genesis 31, but I really enjoyed Proverbs today.  I was really struck by the repeated reference to listening to wise counsel.  I guess this is especially pointed with me being more and more frustrated with my son that is soon to be turning 18 and has all the answers in the world and needs advice from NO ONE at this point. 

Proverbs 13:1 A wise child accepts a parent’s discipline
a mocker refuses to listen to correction.

In looking at this situation however I know I used to be that way and still am to an extent.  Although the more I grow in God’s Word the more I realize I do not know and there is always someone else that I can refer to and need to seek counsel from as I continue on my path to righteousness.

Proverbs 13:10 Pride leads to conflict;
those who take advice are wise.

Proverbs 13:13 People who despise advice are asking for trouble;
those who respect a command will succeed.

Proverbs 13:14 The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain;
those who accept it avoid the snares of death.

Proverbs 13:18 If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace;
if you accept correction, you will be honored.

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise;
associate with fools and get in trouble.

          These verse seem very clear to me that we must refer to those that have wisdom beyond what we have and not be prideful thinking that we can get this worked out on our own.  Even if we do know an abundance in one or two areas we should not be smug in that knowledge and even share that with those who it will benefit in a caring and loving way.  We will never know everything there is to know which I try and remind myself of everyday so that I am not prideful and also to be realistic about it.  There is a poem that I heard Art Linkletter say once, yes I know I am showing my age, but it has stuck in my head at times when I need it.

          I never wanna be what I wanna be
      Because there's always something out there yet for me.
      I get a kick outta living in the here and now,
      But I never wanna feel I know the best way how
      Because there's always one hill higher with a better view,
      Something waiting to be learned I never knew.
      So 'til my days are over
      Never fully fill my cup,
      Let me go on growing,
      Growing up.