Title: Learning the Easy Way/Topic: Correction

Today’s Reading: Proverbs 25; Proverbs 26; Proverbs 27; Romans 15

Scripture: Proverbs 25:12
12 Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man's rebuke to a listening ear.

Observation: Most of us hate hearing a rebuke. What a better life we would have and what better people we would become if we would view a rebuke with the attitude suggested here. A rebuke should be treasured as something of great value, like fine gold. It is a precious thing of value. Why? Because learning how to become a better person through verbal instruction is the easiest and fastest way to learn valuable life lessons. If we do not learn from verbal instruction (which is what a rebuke is) then, unfortunately, we are destined to learn from the circumstances of life. That can be much more devastating. Divorce, loss of job, incarceration, rejection of others can be the harsh teachers we must learn from is we refuse to listen to the rebukes of others when they point out faults in our lives that need to be corrected. How much easier to learn from a verbal correction than to have life teach us through some kind of loss!

Application: When people criticize me, I should carefully consider what I may learn from it that would make me a better, more godly person, rather than reacting with defense or anger. If I treat rebukes as something precious, I will grow in character and spare myself much sorrow from having to learn things the hard way.

Prayer: Father, keep me humble and teachable and help me to not be defensive and arrogant. May I be willing to learn from anyone in any station of life. You will help me sort out what rebukes may be totally undeserved and without value, but I want to remain open to them all until your Spirit reveals to me the hidden sins and foolishness in my heart that needs to be repented of . Cleanse me and help me to learn my lessons in the most easy, painless way possible.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.