A Teachable Spirit

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
— Proverbs 12:1

“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.”
— Proverbs 13:1

Yesterday we took a group of Keystone Prep students out for a bike ride.

Mike, our English teacher, was leading the pack. Ken, our Head of School, rode in the middle. My job was simple: ride last and make sure no students were left behind.

At one point during the ride, I decided to pedal up toward the middle of the group to check on a few students. Ken noticed immediately. He corrected me and reminded me that my assignment was to stay in the back so no student would fall behind without someone there to help.

He was right.

So I dropped back and stayed where I was supposed to be.

Now, if I’m being honest, that meant riding slowly for a while. A couple students were taking their time, and my Bianchi bike is built to go fast. But that stretch of trail became a little classroom for me.

Instead of racing ahead, I stayed in my position. I rode beside the slower students. I enjoyed the sunshine and the breeze and simply did the job I had been given. Even thought I REALLY wanted to go fast!

When we returned to school, Ken pulled me aside.

In a gracious way he explained that if he gives an instruction, he trusts it will be followed. By leaving the back of the pack, I had disappointed him and potentially put students at risk. And he was absolutely right.

I didn’t argue. I didn’t defend myself. I didn’t explain why I did it. I simply agreed. And I made a quiet decision in my heart: I won’t make that mistake again.

The Wisdom of Correction

One of the clearest marks of wisdom is a teachable spirit.

The ability to hear correction.
The humility to admit when we are wrong.
The willingness to grow from it.

Scripture says:

“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”
— Proverbs 19:20

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
— Proverbs 12:15

“Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.”
— Proverbs 15:32

When People Refused Correction

The Bible gives examples of people who refused to admit their mistakes, and it cost them dearly.

King Saul
When confronted by Samuel for disobeying God, Saul defended himself instead of repenting. Because of his pride, he lost his kingdom.
(Samuel 15:22–23)

Pharaoh
Despite warning after warning through Moses, Pharaoh hardened his heart again and again, bringing devastation upon Egypt. Anyone else picturing the movie Prince of Egypt?
(Exodus 7–11)

Rehoboam
Solomon’s son rejected wise counsel from the elders and listened instead to his pride and his friends. His stubbornness split the kingdom of Israel in two.
(I Kings 12:6–16)

Pride makes us defend ourselves when we should be learning.

When People Accepted Correction

The Bible also shows us the power of humility.

King David
When the prophet Nathan confronted David about his sin, David immediately repented.
(II Samuel 12:13)

Apollos
A gifted teacher, Apollos received correction from Priscilla and Aquila and became an even stronger voice for the gospel.
(Acts 18:24–26)

Peter
When Paul corrected Peter for hypocrisy (ouch), Peter received the rebuke and continued faithfully leading the early church.
(Galatians 2:11–14)

Correction didn’t destroy these people. It refined them.