The Wise Man's Openness to Instruction

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser.—Proverbs 9:9

True wisdom is marked by receptiveness to correction. The genuinely wise person possesses three defining characteristics: he pursues rational ends with deliberate purpose; he recognizes that true wisdom and moral goodness are inseparable; and he submits his pursuits to Divine direction rather than personal preference.

Instruction benefits the wise man precisely because he understands three truths. First, no truly wise person deems his understanding complete or beyond improvement. Second, every wise man desires his existing wisdom auxanō (αὐξάνω—to increase) as much as possible. Third, when instruction aligns with his character and circumstances, he receives it gladly and profits accordingly.

When a wise man receives instruction, he becomes yet wiser through three disciplines: he investigates the motive of the instructor; he examines the nature and tendency of the teaching itself; and he petitions Elohim for discernment to recognize what is most valuable and for a heart disposed to apply it.

President Lincoln exemplified this humility, declaring himself willing to learn from anyone possessing knowledge. The artist Gustave Doré demonstrated similar openness when a young English artist boldly took his brush and suggested improvements to his canvas. Rather than offense, Doré expressed only surprise that any apology should be necessary. The receptive mind—whether in spiritual matters or artistic craft—remains perpetually capable of growth through Adonai's gracious instruction.