Will You Listen? (Proverbs 15:31-32)
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Proverbs 15:31-32
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
will dwell among the wise.
32 Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.
Oh man, the Proverbs have so much to say on correction, and the past few days we have been all over it! And the thing is, we’re only scratching the surface of what Proverbs has to say about correction.
I love these verses today, and I think they pair well with Proverbs 9:7-9 from yesterday because they further reveal a truth we came across yesterday:
how we receive rebuke and correction reveals our character.
In fact, to use language from Proverbs 9:7-9, the way we receive a rebuke will prove us to be a scoffer or a wise man.
And that message is echoed here today:
“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” But,
“Whoever ignores instruction despises himself…”
I love that verse 31 doesn’t provide a name or a relationship to reproof; it simply describes it as “life-giving.” That’s such a powerful picture because God doesn’t just use close friends or family to correct us. He’ll use anyone.
And let me tell you, sometimes that correction comes from the most unexpected places. I’ve been told so many times that you don’t get to choose who God uses to correct you, and that has certainly been the case in my life. From close friends to random strangers, God will use anyone and everyone to speak into your life. And regardless of whose mouth reproof comes from, if it’s life-giving, it’s worth listening to.
Now, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. I’ll never forget being accused and rebuked for detrimental character by someone who I felt didn’t know me nearly enough to make those claims. Even as I say that now, I’m just reminded of my attitude that was like, ‘You don’t know me bro’. And yet, as I reflected, I realized there was some truth to what they were saying. God used them to correct me.
So regardless of the voice, regardless of where it comes from, here’s the question we all have to face when life-giving reproof comes our way:
Will I listen?
If you do, it reveals a humble and wise heart. That’s why verse 31 says the ear that listens to life-giving reproof will “dwell among the wise.” They “gain intelligence.”
But those who don’t listen – those who ignore “instruction” – verse 32 says they “despise themselves.” Why? Because when we reject wisdom and correction, we’re ultimately hurting ourselves the most. It’s like ignoring the very thing that could heal us or set us free.
But sadly, some people don’t want to change. As we’ll see throughout Proverbs, the fool loves their sin too much to flee from it or repent.
So who are you? The fool or the wise man?
Think of a time recently when someone gave you life-giving rebuke. How did you respond? Did you accept it? Reject it? Defend yourself?
Here’s the hard truth for me: I often justify myself. Remember Proverbs 16:2? Talking about how all a person’s ways seem pure to them? That is my temptation. My pride makes me quick to self-justify, and life-giving reproof often exposes just how much pride I still carry.
I share that because I want you to think about how you’re tempted to respond to correction. Are you quick to listen, or are you quick to defend?
And as you think about that, ask yourself this:
How would the Gospel of Jesus transform the way you respond?
Praise God His grace transforms us. Through Jesus, we don’t have to be ruled by our sinful flesh. In fact, sin no longer has dominion over us! Instead, we can receive correction humbly, knowing that our worth and identity are secure in Christ.
So let’s take these thoughts to the Lord. Let’s pray for wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen to His life-giving correction.
