Instruction in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses teaching, guidance, correction, and the impartation of wisdom. It is a divine mandate that is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing the importance of learning and adhering to God's commandments and principles.

Old Testament References

1. Proverbs 4:13 · "Hold on to instruction; do not let go. Guard it, for it is your life." This verse underscores the value of instruction as essential for life, urging believers to cling to it as a vital source of wisdom and guidance.

2. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 · "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Here, instruction is portrayed as a continuous process, integral to daily life and family dynamics, ensuring that God's commandments are perpetually taught and remembered.

3. Psalm 32:8 · "I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you." This passage highlights God's personal involvement in providing instruction, offering guidance and oversight to those who seek His direction.

New Testament References

1. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 · "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This text affirms the comprehensive role of Scripture in providing instruction, equipping believers for a life of righteousness and service.

2. Colossians 3:16 · "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." Instruction is presented as a communal activity, where believers are encouraged to teach and admonish one another, fostering a community grounded in the wisdom of Christ.

3. Hebrews 12:5-6 · "And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'" Instruction here is linked with discipline, portraying it as an expression of God's love and a means of spiritual growth and maturity.

General Observations

Instruction in the Bible is not limited to formal teaching but is an integral part of the believer's life, encompassing various forms of learning and correction. It is both a personal and communal responsibility, with an emphasis on the transformative power of God's Word. The Scriptures serve as the ultimate source of instruction, providing the foundation for living a life that is pleasing to God and beneficial to others.2 Chronicles 15:3
Now for a long season Israel has been without the true God, and without a teaching priest, and without law.
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2 Chronicles 17:7-9
Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail, and to Obadiah, and to Zechariah, and to Nethaneel, and to Michaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah.
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Ezra 7:10
For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.
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Psalm 50:17
Seeing you hate instruction, and casts my words behind you.
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Psalm 78:2-8
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
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Psalm 119:3-125
They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways.
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Psalm 143:8,10
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning; for in you do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul to you.
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Proverbs 1:1-6,20-30
The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel;
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Proverbs 22:17-21
Bow down your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge.
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Proverbs 23:12,23
Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.
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Proverbs 24:30-34
I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
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Jeremiah 32:33
And they have turned to me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruction.
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Daniel 1:3-5,17-20
And the king spoke to Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king's seed, and of the princes;
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Luke 20:1,2
And it came to pass, that on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came on him with the elders,
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Luke 21:37,38
And in the day time he was teaching in the temple; and at night he went out, and stayed in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.
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Romans 2:18
And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
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1 Corinthians 12:28,29
And God has set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
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Galatians 3:24,25
Why the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
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Galatians 4:1,2
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differs nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
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Ephesians 4:11,12
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
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