What Is Instruction?

Do you remember a teacher that constantly told you to “follow the instructions?” They were highlighting an important life lesson: In order to complete our assignment successfully, we need to pay attention to instruction. The Proverbs of Solomon were given “to know wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:2) and all scripture is profitable “for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Instruction from God is necessary!

IN–struct-ion, if you break it down in English, is something internal that builds you up. It is what you learn that gives you internal structure. Instruction provides practical support and stability as you walk through life and deal with situations. Have you ever felt unsteady and unsure doing something new? Instruction or an instructor helps you navigate that.

Just like the instructions that come with the pieces of an unassembled product, instruction often gives a step by step guide — it’s directions you can implement! How many times have we tried to build a shelf without the instructions and found out something was backwards or it eventually starts to lean or break? Instruction helps you construct something that lasts! Similarly, a karate instructor delivers a lesson to the learner but it is not just head knowledge to make the student smarter. Instruction is useful and is meant to get in you and be carried out!

In scripture, we are told to hear instruction (Prov. 1:8; 4:1), receive it (Prov. 8:10), and hold fast to it (Prov. 4:13). We don’t want to be like the fool who despises instruction (Prov. 1:7; 15:5). If we refuse instruction we end up with poverty and shame (Prov. 13:18). The man who falls prey to the strange woman ends up saying, “How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; And have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!” (Prov. 5:12-13). The instruction of God tells us what to do and what not to do to help us NOT go the wrong way! The Bible says, “He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth” (Prov. 10:17). Remember, the scripture gives us instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16)! Want to be right? Don’t want to err or go astray? Get in His Word to get His instructions!

In an age where so many walk in pride and hate people telling them what to do, it’s time to hear instruction from God and those He gives us. Proverbs 8:33 puts it clearly: “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.” If we do, we’ll have the support inside and the practical guide to walk in victory in our everyday lives. With instruction, we don’t have to fail or fall apart. Hear instruction today.