We read Proverbs 15 today in our Spoken Word Bible Reading Plan. Verse 31 is a promise to those of us who will hear and receive God's correction and reproof:
31 The ear that listens to the reproof [that leads to or gives] life will remain among the wise.
I have a strong desire to be 'among the wise'! How about YOU? Verse 32 tells us an interesting TRUTH about those who refuse this reproof, and then gives another promise for those who receive it!
32 He who refuses and ignores instruction and correction despises himself, but he who heeds reproof gets understanding.
I LOVE that when we receive, by putting into practice, His correction, then we will get understanding! The greatest joy in my life with the LORD has been an ever increasing deep understanding of the Word of God! AND, there is so much more to learn! I don't want to spend one day out of sync with my TEACHER! How about YOU? The rest of this verse says that those who refuse this reproof (correction, instruction) despise themselves! This is the Hebrew word "ma`ac", which means: to spurn, to disappear, to despise. The Dictionary definition for despise says this: feel contempt or a deep repugnance for; to detest, hate, loathe, abhor, deplore, dislike. What a horrible life it would be to go through it hating yourself because you KNOW that you have refused the instruction of the LORD! I CHOOSE to LOVE myself by obeying God's Word so that I can properly love others! I hope that YOU choose to do so, too! One more wonderful promise from Proverbs 15 is found in verse 33:
33 The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord brings instruction in Wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
Let's actively seek Holy Spirit input in our lives moment by moment, and day by day! Let's put it into practice immediately and enjoy the sweet fellowship and awesome and amazing Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding that follow! AMEN! Here is Hillsong UNITED with "Future Marches In":
Shalom in Him!
