Proverbs 10:17 "He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth."
I am notorious for tossing the assembly instructions to the side. If I can see the picture of the finished product, then I figure I should be able to put it together without any problems. I usually finish with a lot of extra parts that really were necessary for the proper use of whatever I was assembling. I could have saved myself much time and effort and confusion if I had just taken time to read the instructions before beginning to put it together. I think that a sure sign of maturity is when we come to the place of knowing that we need help. A child often takes the approach that he can do anything and knows everything without needing help. Sometimes, it is necessary to allow them to make their mistakes in order to come to the place of realizing a need. The sad thing is that adults do not always outgrow that trait. Refusing to receive advice, instruction, and correction can lead to a multitude of mistakes and often results in a comedy of errors. We must be careful to listen when we are given instruction. Now the next question is - Where do we go for proper instruction in life? "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)