Proverbs 15:31 (KJV)
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
The above Scripture is one of the simplest, yet it is one of the most profoundly important. Reproof is criticism or warning to help direct us in the right direction for God’s blessing and favor in our lives. God strategically places people in our lives to impart valuable advice and convey messages that align with His divine will. As God communicates through His Word, Spirit, and others, we are empowered to make choices based on these messages. And the choice is whether to be foolish or wise. The desire to humbly take corrections and instruction is a condition for wisdom. That is, being teachable is a sign of wisdom. However, laying aside rebuke means rejecting wisdom. As children of God, we despise our souls by resenting the means of wisdom when we refuse correction and instruction, which are essential for prosperous and successful living. In other words, to be wise is to learn to accept reproofs. Proverbs 25:12 says, “As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
A prime rule for life is the importance of gaining wisdom through correction, instruction, rebukes, reproofs, and warnings of others. Accepting rebuke and correction is humility; it reveals our greatness. Wise men will welcome reproofs and love the one giving them, but scorners will reject the instructions and hate the one offering them. Proverbs 9:8 says, “Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Over the years, many people have lost great opportunities and privileges because they despised instructions. Many find it difficult to accept and appreciate criticism because the ways of men are right in their own eyes. Since they think they are correct, they dislike anyone who reproves and warns them about the recklessness and foolishness of their choices, character, or conduct. Common sense, they say, is not common at all. Those filled with their ways have less room for advice. They make light of instructions; although they hear them, it does not affect them. That is, they are unwilling to amend. Instead, they mock and make jest of reproof. Some prefer lying kisses and secret love over a rebuke from wise men. Many have forgotten what the Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:5, “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.”
Beloved, choose to be sharpened by godly instructions. It is wise to swallow your pride and heed the great words of wisdom. Be refreshed and filled with gratitude when blessed with words of wisdom. Don’t drive away good friends who can help bring you sound thinking, wisdom, and success. Don’t be so full of yourself that you cannot hear God through others when delivering constructive criticism. Determine to listen to the voice of God’s Wisdom from today onward. God is pleased with you when you heed correction from those who have your interest at heart. Today, Accept the reproof, then repent. Yield to the Word of God to mold your character and give you a new mindset. Let the Word correct you and trim away the flesh and the lusts that lead you astray. Refuse to accept and allow your senses to dominate or control you. Listen to corrections, and you will grow in understanding. Remember, an open rebuke by a faithful friend, though it hurts, is better than lying kisses and the secret love of a shoddy friend.
O Lord, give me listening ears to hear Your counsel and a willing heart to obey You always in Jesus’ Precious Name.