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A WISE HEART
TUESDAY, JUNE 1
Proverbs 10:8

Proverbs 9:8-12

 

“The wise in heart

will receive commandments…”

 

A WISE HEART
 
One aspect of wisdom that is often emphasized in the book of Proverbs, is the receptiveness of the wise to reproof and correction. “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee” (Prov 9:8). Thus a wise heart is one that will “receive commandments” (Prov 10:8) ‒ “commandments” here being a reference to instruction in the right way to live. The implication is clearly that these “commandments” and instructions are true and biblical. Those  who are truly wise will be happy to listen and to receive even sharp rebuke if it will help him to walk uprightly before the Lord. “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil” (Ps 141:5).
 
The outcome of this humble willingness to receive instruction is an increase in wisdom: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Prov 9:9). The wise in heart are able to grow and to mature in their walk with the Lord; they are able to benefit from the godly and wise counsel of their brethren.
 
By contrast, “a prating fool shall fall” (Prov 10:8). The “prating fool” is the one who does not guard his lips: he is full of pride, and thus responds  to rebuke with loud declamatory tirades and even vicious invective against those who correct him. Such was wicked King Ahab, who said of the faithful prophet Micaiah, “I hate him; for he doth not prophesy good concerning me, but evil” (1 Kings 22:8). And did not this wicked king soon after “fall” in battle (1 Kings 22:34-35)?
 
Dear reader, it is not for nothing that Scripture warns us, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18). Let us not be like those who in their pride resist rebuke and avoid instruction! Let us, with a humble heart, listen to the correction of those around us ‒ let us, like David, say to our counsellors, whomever they may be, “Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me: and blessed be thy advice, and blessed be thou” (1 Sam 25:32-33)!
 
THOUGHT: Defensiveness is usually not a mark of wisdom.

PRAYER: Father, I have much to learn ‒ help me to receive rebuke well!

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