Once there was a man who was taking a journey in a strange country. He knew very little about the customs of the people, and had no map of the country, and a map would have been of little use to him if he had one. And yet this foolish man set out on his journey with the boast that he would “go it alone,” that he would not even ask a question of any one, but would find his own way and manage his own affairs.
You can readily see what difficulties such a man would get into. Once, because he would not ask his way, he got lost in a great wood, and was hours in finding his way out. At another time he fell among thieves, because he went into their neighborhood, though, if he had asked directions regarding his course, he would have been warned against them. Many times he walked twice as far as he needed, because he did not take the pains to inquire the shortest way. For all his lodging and food he paid twice as much as was necessary, through failure to inquire for the cheapest inns. He missed a thousand pleasures, because he did not know where to seek them. He failed to get a great deal of valuable information that he could have gained only by asking many questions.
There followed him, journeying in the same country, a man of a very different sort. He was frank, and fond of talking pleasantly with every one he met. Whenever he was in difficulty, or whenever he wanted to learn anything, he asked questions. He did not ask questions of every one, of course, but chose those who looked as if they knew something. He always went the best way, slept in the best inns, escaped all dangers, and gained from his journey not only a great deal of enjoyment, but a vast amount of useful knowledge.
Now, children, which of these men will you be like? Ask questions.
On your way through life you will meet many that know very much more than you do. Never be ashamed of a sensible question; and especially, ask questions of those that are wise about heaven and God.