Teachable Moments

(Proverbs 8:10 KJV)  Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.

We see a lot of references to prosperity in Proverbs.  It is in the context of financial wealth.  That cannot be denied.  Wealth and prosperity are not in themselves condemned.  But wealth and prosperity must be submissive to God’s priorities and weighing of value.  If we have a choice we are to “receive" (take NASB) (3947) “instruction” (4148) and “knowledge” (1847) before we go for the gold.  This is a principle.

The idea of taking is to transfer.  It can be active like the NASB using “take” or passive like the KJV with “receive.”  The translations I have access to are balanced in which word they choose.  This balance is found in so many areas concerning our relationship to God.  God offers.  We reach out and take or open our hands and receive.  Think of our salvation.  Jesus came and died on the cross.  He shed His blood, was buried and was resurrected.  Now we have salvation offered to us.  All we have to do is receive the offering of grace through faith.  It is there.  It is beyond our ability to purchase.  In that sense it is free, but we must take or receive it.

What would you do if a gift package came and the delivery man needed a signature.  You could tell from the box it was a guitar from Martin and Company.  All you had to do was sign and the gift would be put in your hands.  Did you purchase it?  Did you haul it across the country?  No.  But you can receive it.

As with salvation comes the “instruction” (4148) that will lead to wisdom and righteousness.  Why would it be necessary for Proverbs to remind us about this gift that God wants to give us?  Because we get comfortable.  We get satisfied.  Sometimes we don’t want to learn new things because it will make us change the old things.

So as I look at this verse I think of all the spiritual gold and silver God wants to put in my spiritual vault.  I think of all the spiritual checks I can write to spread the righteousness around me world.  But I can’t spend it if I don’t receive it.  I will keep listening and learning.