May 26, 2020<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The book of Proverbs is a collection of short sayings in the Old Testament meant to instill\u00a0wisdom\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>in God\u2019s people. As we read, it is important to remember that a proverb is a statement which is\u00a0generally<\/em> true in principle, not a\u00a0universally\u00a0<\/em>true promise. Let\u2019s dig into the Word together and allow the Lord to shape our hearts, our minds, and our lives in his wisdom over the next month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Proverbs Chapter 9 is an interesting comparison between the Way of Wisdom (v.1-6) and the Way of Folly (v.13-18). It is interesting to read these two sets of verses and compare.\u00a0But what\u2019s perhaps most significant in this short chapter in Proverbs, are the verses in between, which speaks of instruction and reproach, as well as the ways we respond to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Verse 9 says \u201cGive instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes it\u2019s hard to take constructive criticism.\u00a0Our human nature, our sinful nature, tells us to take pride in things and feel that we have done our best.\u00a0When someone offers counsel or instruction, we can often view it as criticism and get defensive.\u00a0But the Bible says clearly that to listen to instruction is wise and being teachable is the way of the righteous!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The wise path is to seek to learn from criticism or instruction, however difficult it may be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of this starts with a fear of the Lord\u2026a healthy fear, knowing that He is Almighty God and able to do all things.\u00a0In verse 10, it says \u201cthe fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n