13 September 2026: REMAIN SIMPLE ENOUGH TO LEARN – Proverbs 9:4-6; James 1:21

Simplicity is a powerful condition for receiving wisdom. A simple person is not foolish; he is teachable, uncomplicated and willing to admit what he does not know. There is often a season in life when no one knows you, few demands surround you and your mistakes are not yet costly. That is the time to pursue knowledge, receive correction and build strong foundations. Unfortunately, many people waste their simple years trying to look established. By the time responsibilities increase, habits have hardened and reputation becomes important, learning becomes more difficult. Wisdom calls the simple to turn in, eat her bread and walk in understanding because teachability can save a person from years of avoidable poverty and pain.

I once went to speak to a group called the Young Men Christian Association, but the youngest person present appeared to be about sixty-five years old. I had prepared a teaching on marriage, but their questions showed that many had already formed strong conclusions. Age itself was not the problem; complication was. When people have lived with wrong patterns for a long time, they may defend those patterns instead of receiving help. The same thing happens financially. A person may reject saving, training, counsel or correction because admitting ignorance feels embarrassing. Another may refuse to ask for prayer because people already regard him as a leader. Pride complicates life and locks people inside problems that humility could have solved.

Remain simple enough to say, “I do not understand; please teach me.” Pay for knowledge when necessary, attend conferences, study, ask questions and receive correction without offence. A minister once preached on fifteen characteristics of a fool, and afterwards his host admitted that thirteen applied to him. Instead of becoming angry, he asked for prayer. That response showed the simplicity required for change. When the Word exposes you, do not accuse the preacher of targeting you. When financial counsel reveals a wrong habit, do not defend the habit because you have practised it for years. Turn in and learn. God has placed wisdom close to you through Scripture, spiritual leadership, skilled people and the abundance of information available today. Refusing to learn is no longer merely unfortunate; it is a rejection of help. Simplicity will preserve you spiritually, mentally, financially and maritally. The devil tries to complicate people with image, pride and concern about what others will say. Break out of that prison. The future belongs to those who remain humble enough to receive instructions, make corrections and begin again.

THOUGHT TO PONDER

Have pride or reputation made me resistant to financial correction? What truth have I heard repeatedly but failed to practise because I did not want to admit my need?

PRAYER

Father, keep my heart humble and teachable. Deliver me from pride and complication, and help me to receive and practise the wisdom You place around me.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11