Being teachable is an important trait in the Bible. It highlights the need for humility, a willingness to grow, and an open heart that is ready to receive instruction and guidance.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Learning From Others
What Does The Bible Say About Being Teachable
Proverbs 9:9
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being teachable and open to instruction. A wise and righteous person recognizes that there is always room for growth and learning, and they willingly receive instruction to expand their knowledge and understanding.
A teachable spirit enables us to gain wisdom and grow in various areas of life, allowing us to become better individuals and followers of God.
Proverbs 10:17
“Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.”
Being open to instruction and correction leads us on the path to life. When we humbly accept correction, we are able to grow and avoid destructive behaviors that could harm ourselves and others.
Conversely, rejecting reproof not only hinders our own growth but also has the potential to lead others astray. This verse reminds us of the importance of being teachable and the impact our willingness to learn can have on those around us.
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”
Loving discipline and accepting reproof demonstrates a desire for knowledge and growth. It reflects wisdom and a humble attitude that acknowledges the need for correction and refinement in our lives.
On the contrary, rejecting reproof and despising discipline is considered foolish and ultimately leads to stagnation and lack of personal development.
Proverbs 15:32
“Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.”
Ignoring instruction leads to self-deprecation and limits our potential growth. By disregarding wise counsel and guidance, we deprive ourselves of the opportunity to gain intelligence and expand our understanding.
However, those who attentively listen to reproof are positioned to increase in intelligence and knowledge, improving themselves in the process.
Proverbs 18:15
“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
Having an intelligent heart involves actively seeking knowledge and understanding. This verse highlights the importance of being eager to learn and the role of wisdom in the pursuit of knowledge.
By seeking knowledge with a receptive heart and attentive ear, we position ourselves to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 19:20
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.”
Acknowledging the value of advice and instruction enables us to acquire wisdom for the future. By humbly accepting guidance and learning from others, we equip ourselves with valuable insights and knowledge that will benefit us in the long run.
Being open to the wisdom of others allows us to expand our perspectives and make better decisions as we navigate through life.
Proverbs 22:17
“Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.”
This verse encourages us to actively listen and apply ourselves to the wisdom and knowledge of the wise. It emphasizes the importance of attentiveness and engagement when receiving instruction.
By inclining our ear and dedicating our hearts to learning, we position ourselves to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 23:12
“Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.”
This verse urges us to wholeheartedly embrace instruction and attentively listen to words of knowledge. It emphasizes the need for active engagement and commitment when receiving wisdom.
By applying our hearts, we demonstrate a genuine desire for growth and cultivate a teachable spirit that enables us to gain valuable insights and understanding.
Proverbs 25:12
“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”
A wise reprover is compared to a precious gold ornament, symbolizing the value and significance of their advice and corrective words. However, the impact of their wisdom is dependent on a listening ear.
By actively listening to the counsel and correction of the wise, we can receive the full benefit and transformative power of their words.
Proverbs 29:1
“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.”
Continuously resisting correction and refusing to be teachable has severe consequences. This verse warns that a person who stubbornly rejects reproof is liable to experience irreparable damage.
The refusal to be teachable hinders growth and can lead to a point where restoration or healing becomes impossible.
Matthew 7:24
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Jesus teaches that wisdom is not merely hearing His words, but actively putting them into practice. The wise person takes what they have learned and builds their life upon the solid foundation of truth.
By being teachable and incorporating Christ’s teachings into our daily lives, we lay a solid foundation for a life rooted in wisdom and stability.
Matthew 11:29
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Jesus offers an invitation to learn from Him, emphasizing His gentleness and humility. By taking His yoke and submitting ourselves to His teachings, we find rest and peace for our souls.
Being teachable requires us to adopt a humble and receptive posture, willing to learn from the gentle and compassionate heart of Jesus.
Matthew 18:4
“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus teaches that humility is essential for greatness in the kingdom of heaven. Childlike humility entails being teachable, open, and receptive to the teachings and guidance of God.
When we approach God with a humble heart, ready to learn and be molded by Him, we position ourselves for His favor and blessings.
Matthew 28:20
“Teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
As Jesus commissions His disciples to make disciples of all nations, He emphasizes the importance of teaching and instruction. By teaching and obeying all that Jesus has commanded, we experience His continuous presence and guidance.
Being teachable not only allows us to grow individually but also equips us to effectively disciple others, spreading the teachings of Christ throughout the world.
Luke 8:15
“As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart and bear fruit with patience.”
Jesus uses the parable of the sower to illustrate the importance of receiving the word of God with an honest and good heart. Those who hold His teachings fast and bear fruit demonstrate a teachable spirit.
When we allow the word of God to take root in our hearts and patiently apply it in our lives, we produce the fruit of a transformed character and a life that brings glory to God.
John 6:45
“It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.”
Jesus affirms that all who are taught by God will come to Him. This teaches us that hearing and learning from the Father is necessary for genuine discipleship and an open heart.
Being teachable involves allowing ourselves to be taught by God, seeking His wisdom and guidance, and ultimately directing our lives towards Christ.
Acts 2:42
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
After receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the early believers showed their teachability by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching. They recognized the significance of receiving instruction and guidance from those whom God had appointed.
By prioritizing learning and fellowship, they demonstrated a hunger for spiritual growth, setting an example for us to follow in our own pursuit of knowledge and intimacy with God.
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
The entirety of Scripture is divinely inspired and holds significant value for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness. It is through the study and application of God’s Word that we become equipped and fully prepared to live a life that honors Him.
Recognizing the authority and power of Scripture requires a teachable attitude as we submit ourselves to its teachings and allow it to transform our lives.
James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
James stresses the importance of not only hearing but also acting upon the Word of God. Mere hearing without application deceives oneself and hinders personal growth.
To be truly teachable, we must actively apply the teachings of Scripture in our lives, allowing it to shape our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
James 3:17
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”
James describes the characteristics of godly wisdom that is manifested in a teachable person. Such wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and open to reason. It is marked by mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity.
By cultivating these qualities in our lives, we not only demonstrate a teachable spirit but also become vessels through which God’s wisdom can flow to bless others.
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.”
Peter encourages believers to have a longing for the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word, just as newborn babies crave nourishment. This hunger for truth and understanding fuels our growth and transformation as followers of Christ.
Being teachable involves a continuous desire for spiritual nourishment and growth, eagerly seeking after the wisdom and nourishment found in God’s Word.
2 Peter 3:18
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
Peter urges believers to actively grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. This growth encompasses not only intellectual understanding but also an experiential knowledge that results in a transformed life.
Being teachable means continually pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ, allowing Him to shape and mold us into His likeness for His glory.