Proverbs 5:12-13, “And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!”
Friends, how often have you instructed your child, coworker, or friend and they did not take your advice and they found these words reminding them that if they had only listened to the instruction given they could have avoided the trouble they stepped in to? Often, our pride instructs us to go our own way and we soon find the price for our pride is shame, disappointment and at times even our blessings are out of reach.
At times when we’re on the receiving end of “not listening to instruction” our first response is to even still to ignore the warnings. I’m reminded of a story told many years ago; a flood had overtaken a community and many were being rescued as the waters rose. One family was stacking furniture and climbing to safety as a man in a row boat came by and offered a ride to dry ground, but the family declined the offer for help, their response was, “The LORD will take care of us!” Later the family climbed to the rooftop and a motor boat came by but again, they replied, “The LORD will take care of us!” Soon the family was clutching to the chimney and a helicopter came by and offered assistance, and yet their reply was the same. The water continued to rise and the family now stood at the gates of eternity; and they asked the LORD, “We believed, yet you did not rescue us, why?” The LORD replied, I sent a row boat, a motor boat and a helicopter, and you rejected all of my help.” Friends, as silly as this story is, it is one many of us live. God has sent teachers, counselors and friends to instruct us in wisdom, yet we reject their instruction and their counsel because of our pride.
Let us be careful as we are given counsel whether from friends, teachers, counselors or His Word; for through the instruction of His Word we will find life abundant.
Abiding Still,
Connie Renfro ©
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