Reading Books

“Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights.” Prov. 18:15 (The Message)

I think as I get older the more that I want to close my own mouth and listen to the wisdom or the lack thereof—of others. I heard it said one time that “everyone’s a teacher; they teach you by their good or bad example.” I believe this to be true--that everyone is a ‘book’. Now not all ‘books’ are the same… yet the most precious ‘books’ for me are those that are well worn… the binding is coming loose, the edges are frayed, and its cover is crinkled with the passing of years. Yet the wealth of wisdom and practical everyday knowledge is like gold.

I did not always believe this… in my youth I liked new ‘books’. They were shiny and new, the binding not broken, nothing frayed or damaged-the books I liked were much like me—young and inexperienced.

What kind of ‘books’ do you learn from?

Are you still learning?

Heavenly Father, each day you teach us something new or remind us of some golden truth. Thank you for the ‘books’ of wisdom that you surround our lives with. Thank you also for the ‘books’ that are not so wise. Help us to see the difference and to learn from you while reading both of them.