Scripture Text: Proverbs 10:17
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
Proverbs 10:17
One of the advantages if we have parents who always discipline us is there is correction when we do something wrong. Older people like our grandparents, parents, and old teachers, have an advance knowledge of some experience whether they failed it or achieve it.
A good advice or rebuke comes from the person who experienced it, so we must listen when someone rebukes or disciplines us. I remember Joseph, the stepfather of Jesus and husband of Mary. This couple was too young and the problem existed in their early marriage. It was when Mary bore a child even if there was no contact with each other. At that time, it was very shameful to hear that your wife is pregnant. The Jewish culture always prepared a pure intention in marriage that both man and woman must be sincere and faithful to his or her spouse, and because Joseph was a righteous man, he decided to divorce Mary immediately. It is his final decision to divorce her quietly. No one could stop him except the intervention of an angel in his dream.
"Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:19-21
Joseph and Mary had their confirmation that they will give a name for this son, Jesus, because they both listened to the message of the angel. Like Joseph, sometimes we are faster to decide what is in our mind without thinking about it for so many times. We think that our final decision is the best. However, before that decision to be the best, we have to listen to a godly advice or correction of people who are full of experiences.
The Proverbs warned us that if we ignore godly advice or correction, it will lead others astray and that is a big mistake. Every righteous man was disciplined by the Lord because the He wanted us not to lean on our own understanding and not be wise in our own eyes, but always acknowledge the way of the Lord because it is the best way to accomplish a solution to a problem.
Pray always to have discernment and accept the advice and rebuke of our Lord because He will make our paths straight.
Reflect
1. Do you listen when someone corrects you?
2. Describe what discipline you received from your parents when you are young.
Remember
When we listen to correction and discipline, we are favored because they lead us in the right path of life so that we can live according to the will of God.
Read
Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:18-25; James 4:1-12; 2 Peter 1:12-21
Pray
Dear Lord always protect me from harm that I may discern Your will. Guide me in my daily life so that I might not lead others astray. Thank You Lord for Your help and blessing. This I pray, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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