Proverbs 23:23 Buy the truth, and sell it not; Also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding (KJV)
Sometimes ago, I needed an information badly. I asked around but persons whom I thought would have an answer did not know about my enquiry in details.
Someone referred me to a consultant. When I called him, he told me to pay any amount I could afford before sharing the information with me. He sent me his account details and I made a transfer of a token.
We spoke on phone for a few minutes. His explanation dispeled my ignorance on the subject matter. Till date, I speak like an authority on that subject but most people didn't know it is a product of my investment in learning. It cost me a token.
Getting valuable knowledge comes at a cost even the knowledge of scriptures. Some of us attended paid seminaries, school of ministries, attended conferences, bought books and tapes for us to have a better understanding of scriptures and ministry.
True knowledge add value. When you add true value, you'll experience growth. However, learning comes at a cost. Unwillingness to pay the price of learning is the reason some have remained stagnant in life.
It is very easy to identify non-learners. They always complain about "cost" of learning. When they buy clothes, shoes, bags and jewelries, they do it with joy and they take pride in the cost of mundane things in their possession but they complain about the cost of conference meetings and edifying materials.
Non learners always want learning to be free yet If they get free books and materials, they won't read it. It shows money is not their problem, they just do not value learning. The opening text says, "Buy the truth". It means that learning certain truths comes at a cost.
Scripture is not against committing your resources to learning. In fact, it supports it.
Proverbs 4:7 says, "The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. THOUGH IT COST ALL YOU HAVE, GET UNDERSTANDING". Note the word "Cost".
Stop complaining about the cost of that book, school of ministry or conference meeting. Look at the value it will add to your life If you attend.
Your willingness to grow in any area of life will be shown by how much you are willing to pay to learn.
Stop looking at cost of learning start looking at the value learning will add to your life. True knowledge will come at a cost but you'll be better for it If you invest in it.