June 12, 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 Life is hard without some degree of discipline. Anyone who resents or rejects discipline is headed for a difficult road ahead. Our reading today speaks to the heart and character of a person, and the consequences suffered by those who are irreconcilable and rebellious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When a person rejects God\u2019s discipline, they suffer personally. However, those that they associate with can also experience the dire consequences of their wicked actions and attitudes. When a leader lives a life contrary to God, the whole community and even a nation can suffer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, the righteous learn from discipline. They are attentive to the needs of the suffering (v.7) and replace unneeded and unhelpful rhetoric in a community with calm and peace (v.8). A child left to his own devices without the seasoned and loving discipline of parents brings heartache to themselves and those that love them (v.15). If people are not given hope and vision from God\u2019s word, they scatter in every direction (v.18). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The person who welcomes the discipline of God, the truth of his Word, and keeps God\u2019s law not only experiences the blessings of God in their own life, but they are also a blessing to others!<\/p>\n\n\n\n