Wise Listening

For Thursday, September 29, 2005
Proverbs 13:1

A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.

The attention here is on the order of authority. Whereas, our society exalts the maverick who rejects authoritative instruction, the Scripture upholds an authority structure by which we are to live. A wise son listens to his father and his mother because of their position over him. A wise employee listens to his supervisor. A wise student listens to his teacher. And when rebuke is given by a superior, the wise person uses it to learn and improve himself.

We are to respect the position of authority and not adopt a "show-me" attitude that makes the person over us prove himself before we will listen and obey. For understand, that we also are sinners and lacking in knowledge and mature wisdom. If we are quick to spot the faults of our superiors, then we will be slow and blind to our own faults, allowing ourselves to blame our superiors for our faults.

What attitude will you take into work, into school? How will you regard your government leaders and others who have some authority over you? Will you show the respect of listening? Remember, it takes wisdom to listen.