How do we learn the things we know?
There are four typical ways of learning the things we need to know, as well as the things we want to know. Of course, there are things we have learned that we wish we never knew!
It would do us well to understand how we tend to learn the best, but to also understand there are other ways of learning. Every learning opportunity may require a different way of learning, and may even multiple ways of learning.
My flight instructor told me he knew of several ways to teach everything I needed to know in order to fly successfully…but, if I were having a problem with a particular lesson, he also had other instructor friends who would be willing to teach me a different way to grasp the lesson.
Typically, the main learning styles are described as:
- Visual (spatial): One prefers using pictures, images, and spatial understanding.
- Aural (auditory): One prefers using sound and music.
- Verbal (linguistic): One prefers using words, both in speech and writing.
- Physical (kinesthetic): One prefers using body, hands and sense of touch.
For every need, there is a way. Sometimes we read and it is reinforced by examples and teachings. Other times we simply have to experience the lesson through close personal touch. Life is made up of learning lessons repeatedly until it solidifies in our mind and heart.
Solomon introduced this idea in Proverbs 4, multiple times, and probably just as he was taught when he was young. (Proverbs 4:3-4)
- Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, And give attention to know understanding; (Proverbs 4:1 NKJV)
- Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, And the years of your life will be many. (Proverbs 4:10 NKJV)
- My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. (Proverbs 4:20 NKJV)
What lessons did he teach? Wisdom. And Understanding.
Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
(Proverbs 4:5 NKJV)
Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; She will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; A crown of glory she will deliver to you. (Proverbs 4:7-9 NKJV)
The wise use of that which we know, and that which we know is the understanding of the world around us. Then, once you get it… then keep it. It will preserve you…
Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you. (Proverbs 4:6 NKJV)
Not only did he teach the sayings of Wisdom and Understanding, he led his children down right paths. Now, perhaps he did not do it by examples all of his life, but at the time of this book it was his focus to lead his family the right way. (Proverbs 4:11, 14-15) Additionally, he used visual clues to show the negative side of choices by pointing out the path way of the wicked and evil by describing their choices as bread and drink. (Proverbs 4:16-17)
Think on it. Selah!
Throughout this chapter, Solomon taught visually (word language), aurally and verbally… Perhaps we all need to take what we have learned and experience it with the lives we live.