What does the Bible say about instruction?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that wise instruction calls us to diligent, humble, God-fearing living, while exposing the limits of human wisdom and effort apart from the Lord. Proverbs 24:30-34 warns that neglect and laziness bring ruin, commending watchful labor. Ecclesiastes observes that God has appointed seasons for every purpose, yet people cannot master all His works or secure lasting satisfaction through toil, wealth, or learning. It also honestly faces oppression, loneliness, and the vanity of self-reliance. Matthew 6:25-30 directs believers away from anxious striving and toward trust in their heavenly Father, who faithfully provides. Therefore, instruction in Scripture forms patient obedience: work faithfully, receive God’s gifts gratefully, seek wisdom humbly, and rest in His sovereign care.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- From nature Proverbs 24:30-34; Ecclesiastes 1:13-18; Ecclesiastes 3; Ecclesiastes 4:1; Matthew 6:25-30
- See PARABLES
- From the study of human nature Ecclesiastes 3; Ecclesiastes 4; Ecclesiastes 5; Ecclesiastes 6; Ecclesiastes 7; Ecclesiastes 8; Ecclesiastes 9; Ecclesiastes 10; Ecclesiastes 11; Ecclesiastes 12
- By Object Lessons
- The pot of manna Exodus 16:32
- The pillar of twelve stones at the fords of the Jordan River Joshua 4:19-24
- Fringes on the borders of garments Numbers 15:38; Numbers 15:39
- Symbolically wearing sackcloth and going barefoot Isaiah 20:2; Isaiah 20:3
- The linen sash Jeremiah 13:1-11
- Potter’s vessel Jeremiah 19:1-12
- Basket of figs Jeremiah 24
- Bonds and yokes Jeremiah 27:2-11; Jeremiah 28
- Illustrations on a tile Ezekiel 4:1-3
- Lying on one side in public view for a long period Ezekiel 4:4-8
- Eating bread mixed with dung Ezekiel 4:9-17
- Shaving the head Ezekiel 5
- Moving household goods Ezekiel 12:3-16
- Eating and drinking sparingly Ezekiel 12:18-20
- Sighing Ezekiel 21:6; Ezekiel 21:7
- The boiling pot Ezekiel 24:1-14
- Widowhood Ezekiel 24:16-27
- Two sticks joined together Ezekiel 37:16-22
- Symbols and parables
- See SYMBOLS
- See PARABLES
- See PURIFICATIONS
- See FIRSTBORN
- See BEASTS, CLEAN and UNCLEAN
- See PASSOVER
- See PILLAR
- Also see Proverbs 24:30-34
- UNCLASSIFIED SCRIPTURES RELATING TO 2 Chronicles 15:3; 2 Chronicles 17:7-9; Ezra 7:10; Psalms 50:17; Psalms 78:2-8; Psalms 119:3-125; Psalms 143:8; Psalms 143:10; Proverbs 1:1-6; Proverbs 1:20-30; Proverbs 22:17-21; Proverbs 23:12
- OF CHILDREN Exodus 10:2; Exodus 12:26; Exodus 12:27; Exodus 13:8-10; Exodus 13:14-16; Deuteronomy 4:9; Deuteronomy 4:10; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Deuteronomy 31:9-13; Joshua 8:35; Psalms 34:11
- See CHILDREN
- IN RELIGION Exodus 13:11-16; Leviticus 11:44-47; Numbers 15:38; Numbers 15:39; Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Deuteronomy 31:19; Deuteronomy 32:1-47; Joshua 4:1-11; 2 Chronicles 17:7-9; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 8:8; Isaiah 28:9
- See JESUS, CHRONOLOGICAL HISTORY OF
- IN MUSIC
- See MUSIC
- See MINISTERS, DUTIES OF
- See TEACHER
Showing the first 40 headings of this outline.
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about instruction and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about instruction