Those Who Know It All

I recently read the profile of a young professional who rose steadily in media management in Manhattan.  Even as a college student, she was marked for success.  Landing a summer internship at her local paper, she already possessed a trait that set her apart and paved her way to significance..  "She soaked up information like a sponge," her first editor recalls.  "She took instruction well." 

Those who know the most, know that they don't know it all.  The wise are easy to spot, not by their superior knowledge, but by their teachable hearts.  The character of a person is not revealed by accomplishment and acclaim, but by criticism or reproof.  Those who are wise listen carefully, accept criticism as a learning opportunity, and recalibrate their actions to improve.  They listen, learn and do.

The fool is even easier to identify.  When confronted with his own blame, mistake or inability, a fool will dispute and argue.  You can't teach him a thing.  Indeed, the word "fool" comes from the Latin meaning "windbag."  The Bible goes even further.  The Hebrew word for fool is "moron."

A wise heart responds.  A fool reacts.  How teachable am I?

"She took instruction well."   It reveals more than you know.

Do not reprove a scoffer,
     or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man,
      and he will thank you.
Give instruction to a wise man,
       and he will be still wiser,
teach a righteous man
and he will increase in learning.

                          Proverbs 9. 8-9


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