Read
29The Lord never even hears
the prayers of the wicked,
but he answers the prayers
of all who obey him.
30A friendly smile
makes you happy,
and good news
makes you feel strong.
31Healthy correction is good,
and if you accept it,
you will be wise.
32You hurt only yourself
by rejecting instruction,
but it makes good sense
to accept it.
33Showing respect to the Lord
will make you wise,
and being humble
will bring honor to you.
Reflect
I knew exactly what I was doing. How difficult could downhill skiing be? After ignoring the instructor’s lesson on how to ski, I made my way up the hill and started going down. Panic set in when I realized that I did not know how to slow down, stop, turn, etc. What do you do when you realize that you are in trouble on skis? You just fall down and tear the cartilage in your knee. Did I mention I was on the bunny hill and my ego was forever damaged?
As we close Proverbs 15, we are hearing the heart of our heavenly Father who is urging us to draw close to Him and to heed his words to us.
When you look in to the eyes of God, you will see a light that will bring joy to your heart and health to your body. In other words, you come alive when you look into his eyes and know that his heart is for you.
God disciplines those he loves, and so even if discipline is painful it is good for you to receive the correction he is giving you and make the changes needed in your life.
As a father, I find that there are times I give my children instructions and they give me that look of “Dad, I know what I’m doing.” Then, when they falter, it takes everything in my power not to say “I told you so.” The pride of children can sometimes reveal that they are not always teachable. However, if we are humble enough to be teachable, we are showing wisdom and preparing ourselves for greater honour.
As you meditate on the book of Proverbs and the story of the Bible, draw close to the Instructor and be humble enough to receive His direction for your life. God’s approach is not to dictate your life – he is a father who wants what is best for your life. Be a teachable son or daughter.
Respond
Father God, Help me to believe the truth that you want what is best for me. Show me where you are trying to correct and discipline me and help me to be humble enough to learn the lessons you are teaching me.
Kirk Giles
Kirk Giles is Co-Lead Pastor of Forward Church – a multisite church in the Waterloo Region area of Ontario. He previously served as President of Promise Keepers Canada | Impactus – a global ministry equipping men for a life of purpose and godly impact. Kirk is married to Shannon and together, they have four adult children and two daughters-in-law.