Proverbs 13:14-19 – The impact of good teachings

Like a candle, a good teacher will consume himself to light the way of others.  And his teachings come from his heart. And what he teaches will guide his students to direct their sails, though he knows he cannot help to change the direction of the wind. So, with his instruction he guides his student onto the right path. That’s why good teaching is so necessary to righteous living.

Verse 15 tells us that the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life. They point the way to live life abundantly. Good teachings help us to set our heart in the right direction and away from dangerous and hazardous path. No wonder we are told that it will turn us aside from the snares of death. Good teachings affect eternity because there is no limit in its influence. When taken seriously and act upon they will impact our life positively. When they are not taken to heart life will be counter-productive.   

When understood, good teachings build favourable character and not a churlish one. It helps one to perceive life rightly and properly and help to live life with grace. Teachings that impact a student will make him or her a person of character and find acceptance with others. One who is not impacted by sound teaching lives a harsh and rude life and ends with a sad destiny.  

Verse 16 tells us that one who is receptive to good teachings will be vigilant. He acts prudently with knowledge and will not be misled easily. Such a person learns to assess every circumstance and carefully chooses path that maximizes life for him. It is not so of one who is foolish. Such a character will play the fool with his life. He acts impetuously showing a lack of wisdom.  

Verse 17 shows a wise person impacted by sound teaching lives and serves faithfully. He becomes a wise steward to his Master. Unlike an unfaithful steward that shows no integrity, this wise one is trustworthy. He brings health and vitality to others. An unfaithful steward, on the other hand, shows disregard for his Master. In his couldn’t- be-bothered attitude, he brings a bad reputation to the Master. He will be punished ultimately.

Verse 18 tells us that a person impacted by sound teaching will bring honour instead of shame.  He shows discipline and acts with wisdom. His humility will win the respect of all he deals with. But one who has no regard for sound instruction acts in his own conceit. He has no appetite for good counsel and will end up being contemptuous to those who are associated with him.  

In verse 19, a person with sound instruction will find deep satisfaction and a fulfilled desire. Such a person does not sit idly by without working passionately to achieve his desire. He will surely reach his worthwhile goal and derive deep satisfaction from his achievement. But for a fool, to turn from evil is a detestable thing. He will never see his dream realized because he has neither the intention nor the will to depart from evil.

We all need good teachings and the Bible has plenty of them. We thank God for the many good Christian teachers He has given to guide us. But we thank God most of all for the Holy Spirit, whom He has sent alongside us to teach us the things of God. He is the best teacher and guide we have. Never stop seeking sound teachings, for more than informing us, good teachings inspire us to live for God.