Learning When You Can

Learning When You Can

It seems that during every off-season, a handful of athletes get themselves into real trouble. Sports radio hosts say out loud what we’re all thinking, wondering when these guys will ever learn their lesson.

The Duke of Wellington once said, “Wise people learn when they can. Fools learn when they must.” There is a fine line between the wise and the foolish, and I believe it all boils down to our ability to learn.

Life is definitely going to be a teacher. The question that really matters is, When will you learn? The wise learn on the go, as they evaluate their lives, as they see the struggles of others, and as the opportunities for growth present themselves. The wise approach life as students, ever learning, ever growing.

Fools learn when they have no other options. They are described as fools because of the one key decision they have already made—the decision to fail to learn and be instructed. Fools think they already have the answers, and as a result, they fail to listen, fail to heed caution, and fail to grow when they see others making mistakes.

Proverbs 10:17 states, “People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.” How about you? Are you learning when you can, or only when you must? Every day is an opportunity for personal, physical, and spiritual growth. Mistakes will be made, grace extended, and life will go forward. But when others make mistakes, learn from them. When you make your mistakes, quickly take inventory of what you can do differently, and make the changes necessary so that you don’t repeat your folly.

People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

Proverbs 10:17