Proverbs – Day 13
Scripture: Proverbs 13
A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things,
but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence.
Those who guard their lips preserve their lives,
but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.
A sluggard’s appetite is never filled,
but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.
The righteous hate what is false,
but the wicked make themselves a stench
and bring shame on themselves.
Righteousness guards the person of integrity,
but wickedness overthrows the sinner.
One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.
A person’s riches may ransom their life,
but the poor cannot respond to threatening rebukes.
The light of the righteous shines brightly,
but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.
Where there is strife, there is pride,
but wisdom is found in those who take advice.
Dishonest money dwindles away,
but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.
Whoever scorns instruction will pay for it,
but whoever respects a command is rewarded.
The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life,
turning a person from the snares of death.
Good judgment wins favor,
but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction.
All who are prudent act with knowledge,
but fools expose their folly.
A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthy envoy brings healing.
Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame,
but whoever heeds correction is honored.
A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but fools detest turning from evil.
Walk with the wise and become wise,
for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Trouble pursues the sinner,
but the righteous are rewarded with good things.
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,
but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.
An unplowed field produces food for the poor,
but injustice sweeps it away.
Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
The righteous eat to their hearts’ content,
but the stomach of the wicked goes hungry.
Devotional:
“Rebuke.” Most people bristle at the thought of it. Even the sound of the word is harsh! It’s no surprise that most people are reluctant to accept words of correction, even from a friend. Yet being called out on areas of weakness shouldn’t surprise us. If we can’t learn to listen and learn from others, we’ll sabotage our ability to grow personally, spiritually, emotionally, and even professionally.
Our enemies Pride and Shame stand in the way of accepting rebuke from others. “Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding” (Prov. 15:32). Prepare yourself for the next time someone gives you criticism by remembering that God knows you and loves you for who you are. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Gen 1:27). “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart” (Jer 1:5). “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer 29:11).
Proverbs tells us repeatedly to listen to our parents, that they can teach us wisdom. This chapter begins with, “A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke” (v. 1) and is repeated in verses such as “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence” (Prov 15:5). Friends, too, should be allowed to give us a rebuke for behavior that is not fitting with God’s desires. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Prov. 27:5-6). If you’re a leader, then surrounding yourself with wise and trustworthy people is wise since “Plans are established by seeking advice; so if you wage war, obtain guidance” (Prov. 20:18).
When you listen and accept a rebuke, good things happen! “He who scorns instruction will pay for it, but he who respects a command is rewarded” (v 13). “He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored” (v 18). “Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD” (Prov 16:20). Turn back to Chapter 1:23-33 to hear the consequences in Wisdom’s own voice. “Then I will pour out my thoughts to you, I will make known to you my teachings” (Prov 1:23). On the other hand, Wisdom continues, “since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes” (Prov 1:29-31).
If you need to confront someone, remember that “Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue” (Prov. 28:23). But realize that not everyone will accept a rebuke. “A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool” (Prov. 17:10). “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning” (Prov. 9:7-9). Steer clear of those who are so stubborn that your words will be wasted. Avoid becoming such a person, too!
Key Verses:
“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke. He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” ~ Proverbs 13:1,18
Questions:
- Are you someone who accepts negative feedback well? If not, why?
- Who can you listen to for honest and tough feedback about yourself?
