A fool despiseth his father's instruction, but he that regardeth reproof is prudent (Prov. 15:5).
Mr. Bundy found pornography in the trash as a small child. It intrigued him and he sneaked it around his parents. Because he did not listen to his parents' reproof, he ended up on death row. Ignoring a parent's warning proved fatal in his case.
Dr. L.., an optometrist, started drinking. He lost his health, his practice, and his family. Drink attacked his liver. He lost his life.
Venereal diseases stem from illicit sex. They also claim the life of their victims.
The prudent child pays heed when a parent criticizes him, but the unwise child despises his father's teachings. He insists on doing his own thing and departs from the right way. Correction for his wrong doing grieves him. The end of his way is death.
“Chicken, chicken,” calls the scorner. However, he is the real coward for he runs from reproof. He refuses to hear the wise man.
Talena, a young woman, met a young man who got her into trouble. She vented her anger on another young woman. This woman put a restraining order on her. If she avoided going to jail, she still feared losing her baby to the Social Services. She lived in poverty and shame because she refused godly instruction.
Sam, a young man, became a derelict of society. He drank and used dope. One day his girlfriend persuaded him to go to church. He responded to the reproof of the preacher and got his heart right with God. Soon his old friends dropped him as he ceased entering into their activities. Instead he read his Bible. Later, he surrendered to preach the gospel.
How do we react when criticized? Do we refuse to listen or are we willing to learn from it?
Prayer: Oh Lord, give me wisdom when others criticize me. Help me learn from them rather than getting angry. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Some names have been changed to protect privacy.
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