Day 70 : Proverbs 15:31-33
Read Proverbs 15:31-33
Helpful Background Information:
The Book of Proverbs was written by King Solomon, likely in the middle of his life. The Proverbs could be divided into at least 2 categories. The first category consists of chapters 1-9. These chapters serve as the Proverbs' introduction, wherein wisdom's true nature is discussed. In Proverbs 1:7, the motto of the Proverbs is stated: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline.” At its very core, wise living requires a right attitude towards God, acknowledging his greatness and our dependence upon him. This attitude is crucial as it breeds humility and makes us willing to receive his instruction. Without this fear of the Lord, there is no wisdom. The fear of the Lord, the immense value of wisdom, and wisdom as the practical application of the Lord’s commandments sets the foundation for us to receive the Proverbs stated in the second section of the book
Now, we come to our specific Proverb → Proverbs 15:31-33. Here, Solomon tells us that a wise person is someone open to being corrected, and so they choose to spend time with people who, through their words and actions, can point out what they are doing wrong. A person who accepts correction will also appreciate the one who corrects them. Honest and caring correction is called "the reproof of life” because, when it’s accepted, it helps lead to spiritual growth and Christian maturity
To ignore such correction ironically is undervaluing their own maturity and growth: it is to their own peril. Ignoring correction will inevitably lead one to commit easily avoidable sins and experience the consequences of such sins. The key to possessing the needed humility to take correction is the fear of the Lord, acknowledging God’s grace in using others to provide us with correction.
Reflection Questions:
After reading Proverbs 15:31-33, reread Mark 6:18-20 where John the Baptist offers correction to Herod, and even though Herod liked to listen to John, his sinful behavior didn’t change. How does Herod’s conduct relate to the Proverb? What were the consequences of ignoring godly correction?
How do I respond when someone points out my mistakes or areas for growth? Do I humbly accept correction, or do I resist it? What does my reaction say about my heart's posture before God?
When correction is given in love, it is described as "the reproof of life." In what ways has God's correction in your life led to spiritual growth and maturity? Reflect on a time when correction was difficult but ultimately beneficial.