“When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; but when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge” (Prov. 21:11).
This proverb states two of the best ways to learn wisdom wisely: vicariously and via instruction (instead of chastisement).
“Vicariously” means that when someone else does something foolish and has to face the harsh consequences of his folly, regardless of whether he learns anything from the mess he made for himself, you do.
This is an essential by-product of careful Bible study. A person seeking wisdom wisely learns from remembering Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32), gleaning much admonition and learning (1 Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4) from the Old Testament record. If the deaths of Nadab, Abihu, Korah, Dothan, Abiram, the Israelite generation of Joshua and Caleb, Uzzah, Ananias and Sapphira, and many others have not increased your wisdom significantly, you have far more in common with a fool than a wise man.
“Via instruction” means that you desire, seek out, and listen to mentors who have greater experience and expertise about specific issues in life. Even when an offer of counsel comes without being sought, a wise person seeking wisdom wisely will listen and receive instruction. He will not be unteachable or hard-headed. He will gain knowledge because he is wise.
How hard are your striving to learn wisdom wisely?
