Stand Corrected
Today's Verse:
Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die. ~Proverbs 15:10
Are you someone who corrects your mistakes? Are you someone who corrects the mistakes of others? Correction is the act of making something wrong into something right. It is the changing of bad behavior. It is reversing a wrong decision. It is averting disaster by fixing something that is broken. Without correction, we would live in a world that is constantly in danger. Correction is a necessary component in developing sound wisdom. Our Scripture this morning focuses of the consequences of turning away correction. Are you correctable?
There is the didactic in correction.
Correction is first taught in the home. We are told, “In the house of the righteous is much treasure.” Part of good parental training is correcting our children from doing and repeating actions, statements, and habits that are not spiritually, socially, and individually acceptable. “A wise son maketh a glad father.” The home is the place where we must unapologetically correct our children from behavior that can hurt them. Correction is taught at church. The strong preaching of God’s Word corrects us when we are wrong. It calls out sin for what it is. In Proverbs, it makes very understandable the behavior of the wise man and that of a fool. Wise men receive correction and value from being told when they are wrong. Correction is taught in school and work. Correction is a necessary component for developing wisdom.
There are the degrees of correction.
Sometimes, correction can be done with gentleness so that bad behavior is not repeated. However, in many cases reproof through strong verbal and written confrontation is needed. Reproof is generally applied when a serious infraction that is sinful, disrespectful, disobedient, and wicked needs to be dealt with. Reproof involves censure, discipline, and repentance. Reproof is not easy to receive. It can be harsh, but necessary. It helps us see the magnitude of our fault and where inattention to its correction can lead us. That is why preaching is sometimes despised. Preachers are commanded to reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
There is the despising of correction.
“Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.” Scorners hate reproof and correction. “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” A scorner will rather feed on foolishness. A despiser of correction is an incorrigible person. A scornful spirit hates being told when they are wrong. They get angry when their sin is being preached on or dealt with.
There is the downfall without correction.
Notice the sobering consequences of the person who rejects correction. “He that hateth reproof shall die.” “The LORD will destroy the house of the proud.” “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul.” “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD.” To despise correction and reproof is damaging to your spiritual life, hurtful to those who love you, and a hindrance to God answering prayer and working in your life.
Don’t let pride or unbiblical friendships keep you from receiving correction. Have a spirit that is teachable and meek. Receive all correction as a gracious word from God and that someone cared enough to tell you so that you would not fall into grave danger.
Have a correctable God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Exodus 7-9