# “Never be ashamed of being a learner” by J.C. Ryle

- Link: https://tollelege.net/2021/03/05/never-be-ashamed-of-being-a-learner-by-j-c-ryle/
- Published: 2021-03-05T12:00:44-06:00
- Author: tollelege

“Humility was the beginning of Solomon’s wisdom. He writes it down as his own experience,“
Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him”(**
Prov. 26:12**).

Young men, lay to heart the Scriptures here quoted. Do not be too confident in your
own judgment.

Cease to be sure that you are always right, and others wrong. Be distrustful of 
your own opinion, when you find it contrary to that of older men than yourselves,
and specially to that of your own parents.

Age gives experience, and therefore deserves respect. It is a mark of Elihu’s wisdom,
in the book of Job, that “he waited till Job had spoken, because they were older
than himself” (**Job 32:4**).

And afterwards he said, “I am young, and you are very old; wherefore I was afraid,
and durst not show you mine opinion. I said, Days should speak, and multitude of
years should teach wisdom” (**Job 32:6, 7**).

Modesty and silence are beautiful graces in young people.

Never be ashamed of being a learner. Jesus was one at twelve years; when He was 
found in the temple, He was “sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them,
and asking them questions” (**Luke 2:46**).

The wisest men would tell you they are always learners, and are humbled to find 
after all how little they know. The great Sir Isaac Newton used to say that he felt
himself no better than a little child, who had picked up a few precious stones on
the shore of the sea of knowledge.

Young men, if you would be wise, if you would be happy, remember the warning I give
you,—Beware of pride.”

–J.C. Ryle, [_Thoughts for Young Men_](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1848716524?tag=toletaupanre-20)(
Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1888/2018), 22-23.

 

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