The “he” section of Psalm 119 (vv. 33-40) notably puts the psalmist in the posture of learning. The verbs are so clear in this psalm:
Teach me (v. 33)
Give me understanding (v. 34)
Direct me (v. 35)
Turn my heart (v. 36)
Turn my eyes (v. 37)
Like the posture of Mary before Jesus, who sat at Jesus’ feet (Luke 10:38-42), I wonder what our posture is when we sit before the Living Word — and the written word? Do we sit to listen? To learn?

I don’t believe our Lord asks us to surrender critical thinking, but I do think he asks to begin by listening. A loving relationship with someone implies, first of all, the relationship of listening in love, of trusting that the words said are the words meant, and that genuine communication and learning begins in the listening mode.