Love of Learning

Welcome to today's encouragement from Our Daily Bread. Today's reading titled Love of Learning was written by Cindy Hess Casper. When asked how he became a journalist, a man shared the story of his mother's dedication to his pursuit of education.

While traveling on the subway each day, she collected newspapers left behind on seats and gave them to him. While he especially enjoyed reading about sports, the papers also introduced him to knowledge about the world, which ultimately opened his mind to a vast range of interests. Children are wired with natural curiosity and a love for learning, so introducing them to the scriptures at an early age is of great value. They become intrigued by God's extraordinary promises and exciting stories of biblical heroes. As their knowledge deepens, they can begin to comprehend the consequences of sin, their need of repentance, and the joy found in trusting God. The first chapter of Proverbs, for instance, is a great introduction to the benefits of wisdom.

Nuggets of wisdom found here shine a light of understanding on real-life situations. Developing a love of learning, especially about spiritual truths, helps us to grow stronger in our faith. And those who have walked in faith for decades can continue to pursue knowledge of God throughout their life. Proverbs chapter 1 verse 5 advises, let the wise listen and add to their learning.

God will never stop teaching us if we're willing to open our heart and mind to His guidance and instruction. Today's Our Daily Bread devotional scripture reading is from Proverbs chapter 1 verses 1 through 7. The Proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel, for gaining wisdom and instruction, for understanding words of insight, for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair, for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young. Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.

For understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Let's pray. Father, we thank you for the scriptures and the way that you use them to lead us through the guidance of your Spirit. Please continue to open our hearts and our minds to grow in knowledge and wisdom as we read and apply your word to what we know in our lives. Thank you, Lord. It's in Jesus' name we pray. Amen. Thanks for listening. My name is Rachelle Traube, and today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread Ministries.