Sermon Central
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Life-Giving Reproof Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: Reproof is a very positive use of speech, provided it's motivated by love and directed by wisdom. Rebuke is not pleasant to our fallen nature but we learn to value it for the results it brings. The best and wisest of us falls short and has much to learn &
Ignoring discipline (mûsr, "moral discipline or correction"; 1:2) results in poverty and shame because a person without self-discipline is unproductive and others are ashamed of him. They will despise him as foolish, stubborn, and ungovernable. But heeding correction results in honor. He that regards a reproof and will mend what is amiss when it is shown him, gains respect as honorable and genuine. Openness to taking advice is mentioned frequently in Proverbs (12:1; 13:1, 13).
Proverbs 15:5 indicates that if the instruction be despised, give reproof. "A fool rejects his father's discipline, but he who regards reproof is sensible."
If a son refuses to learn from his father's discipline he is a fool ('ewîl, a coarse and hardened fool; 1:7). Also he is stupid (12:1), a mocker (13:1; 15:12), and self-hating (15:32). He will die (v. 10). To follow parental correction is wise. [Shows prudence translates the verb ‘ram, "to be shrewd" in a good sense (19:25).] Heeding the advice of one's parents brings honor.
[Proverbs 15:10 reveals that those who cannot bear to be corrected should expect that life will destroy them. "Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die" (NASB).]
Proverbs 15:31 proclaims that faithful friendly reproofs are the reproofs of life because they are a means of spiritual life. "He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise."
Heeding a rebuke (1:23) can be life-giving (1:33) because such a person is impressed by it (17:10), learns from it (19:25), and can become wise. It is the character of the wise that he is willing to be reproved and therefore chooses to be with those that, both by their words and example, will show him what is amiss in himself.
The word "instruction" or "discipline" also can be translated "correction." If you refuse to be corrected, you're cheating your own soul. It has been wisely said that a successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that are thrown at him. Every time someone throws a brick at you, realize there's something true, something you can learn, something you can gain from that brick. Then build on it.
Proverbs 15:32 shows the folly of turning your back on godly instruction. "He who neglects discipline [instruction] despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding [Lit heart] (NASB). To ignore discipline (mûsr, moral correction; vv 5, 10) results in loss of life and knowledge, which shows that the ignorer actually hates himself ("harms himself," 8:36). [Walvoord, John & Zuck, Roy; The Bible Knowledge Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1983, S. 939]
Proverbs 29:1 informs us of the obstinate, of those who refuse to heed, to bow the neck to God's word find them. "A man who hardens his neck after much reproof will suddenly be broken beyond remedy."
A man who is stiff-necked, that is, hardened and refusing to repent or submit to repeated correction (many rebukes; 1:30) from those who are concerned for his welfare. One who with stiff-necked persistence in sin and in self-delusion sets himself in opposition to all endeavors to save his soul and life will suddenly be destroyed (1:27; 6:15; 10:25a; 28:18) and without prospect of restoration (Jer. 19:11; ). No longer will a remedy be available.
