True Honor

For Monday, October 24, 2005
Proverbs 13:18

Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is honored.

The downfall of the person who ignores instruction come about for two reasons. One, he remains an ignorant person. Those with knowledge will pass him by in competition. His ignorance will expose him to danger and traps. It will lead him along the wrong paths. Two, he loses respect before others. Only the fool ignores instruction, and foolishness is highly visible. Others will mock him and delight in his failure.

Conversely, the person who heeds instruction and reproof will be honored for the same reasons. By heeding reproof, he grows in knowledge and skill, thus gaining advantage over others who are lazy or foolish. He is alos honored by others. It is the wise who prize knowledge and are humble enough to receive it; and wisdom is also visible, especially in the eyes of others who are wise.

If you want to win respect before others, then prove yourself to be a good student. And if you seek commendation from God, then humble yourself and learn from all experiences he grants you. Study his Word; learn from his servants, both those who are learned in the Scriptures and from the lowest of his servants. Seek God's wisdom. Pray for it. Gladly receive correction.

Lord, may I be a good student today. May I learn from today's experiences that I may grow in obedience and in grace. May I be willing to learn from anyone and through any experience, whether good or bad. And may I be reproofed, corrected, and trained in righteousness by your Word (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).