In chapter 15, one of the verses that stood out was Proverb 15:10 Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. Next to this verse in my Bible I have this statement written down: Those who hate correction are those who KNOW they are doing wrong but CHOOSE to still do it.
What a shame when someone knows to do right, yet willfully chooses to do wrong. As born again believers, we know the way, yet it is our choice whether or not we will follow it. God has created us with a free will, and we exercise this free will not only in salvation, but in our daily life, as well.
The fact of the matter is that every Christian, from one time or another, will begin to stray from the way of life and need a little correction. How we respond to that correction and reproof is a proof of our spiritual stature. When we lash out in anger, it shows that we have not begun to stray, but we started straying a long time ago and are very far from the way God has for us.
If I could just get that first verse right!
ReplyDeleteI like "A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!" [Proverbs 15:23 KJV]
This verse has no alternative view of good vs evil. It looks at good from both sides and I consider it uplifting.
God will bless us for properly responding to His correction/chastisement:
ReplyDeleteHeb. 12:11 "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."
Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the truth of this verse countless times in working with the homeless. Many times a coworker giving a soft answer cools down a situation when a client is worked up. If a coworker reacts the same way as the client, the situation escalates - yet dialing it down a notch (as they say) has the effect of calming the situation and the person.