Proverbs 24:30-32
"I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; And , lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction."

I have always believed that you can learn something from just about everybody. Most people can tell you that if you want to be successful at anything you should find someone who has found success in that area and watch them. You might even talk to them about it. You then identify what they have done to bring about success and learn from it what you need to do yourself. This is a good way to learn some good habits for you to start.

You should strive to learn from everything in your life though. Let's say you want to learn what it takes to have a strong marriage. I would definately pay attention to how a couple in a strong marriage treat each other. But there are also lessons to be learned by watching those who have failed and considering what they did to bring about that failure.

I grew up in a very stable family. My mom and dad had a strong marriage. They still do. Needless to say, much of how I now treat my own wife comes about due to watching my parents. There are certain things that I am careful not to do in relation to my wife though because of lessons that I have learned watching others who have failed in marriage.

This is something that works with every aspect of life. We are surrounded by valuable lessons to be learned if we only recognize the fact. So I would say that one thing we can learn from this passage in Proverbs is to constantly seek knowledge and instruction. When you see a demonstration of success watch and learn what brought about that success. When you see a demonstration of failure watch and learn where they came up short.

Oh, and don't forget yourself. When you have tried something and succeed, sit back and consider what brought about your own success so you can replicate it in the future, and do the same when you fail so you can avoid making the same mistake again.

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