Proverbs
is an incredible book that encourages the reader to seek wisdom. “Let
the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance”
(Proverbs
1:5, NLT). With simple truths that bring amazing clarity, Proverbs
imparts wisdom that has the potential to develop godly character. If
we seek His understanding and allow its message to impact our lives,
God's wisdom has the power to change us.
There
are many comparisons between a wise person and a fool, but in
Proverbs 17:10 there is a one that makes me stop and take deeper
notice. “A
wise person will learn more from a warning than a fool will learn
from a hundred lashings” (Proverbs 17:10, NCV). Personally I would
rather be someone who can be instructed with one warning that be
someone who is so foolish that a hundred beatings will make no
difference. A fool can't be taught. Wisdom imparts a teachable
spirit, and one that responds well to instruction. When God
disciplines my life, I want to realize it quickly without punishment
needing to be repeated. If I have wisdom, I can discern the
difference between when I am disciplined for something I have done
wrong and when I am pruned for greater growth so that I might
flourish. The pain can hurt terribly in both instances, but the
reason is vastly different. God disciplines because of sin, but He
prunes to get “self” out of the way so that I can understand my
purpose in His kingdom. With discipline I die to sin. With pruning I
die to self and learn surrender. Wisdom teaches that if I say “no”
to sin in my life and “yes” to God's pruning in my life then I
shall flourish under His divine guidance.
God
offers His wisdom so that I might grow spiritually. “If
any of you needs wisdom,” James writes, “you should ask God for
it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom without
criticizing you” (James 1:5, NCV). When I seek wisdom, God gives it
generously, and will not criticize me. The fool with a hundred lashes
regards his punishment as criticism because he has no wisdom
(Proverbs 17:10). He sees it as undeserved. The wise person receives
instruction with one warning. He sees his warning as training in
character. A man who is foolish regards pruning of self as punishment
for sin. A man who is wise understands the difference. A man who is
wise understands that both discipline and pruning develop his life
for greater purpose. Do I see God's discipline and pruning in my life
as criticism or instruction? It is my choice whether I seek His
wisdom or settle for less.
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