GOD’S CORRECTION: LESSONS FROM PROVERBS

Bob Mullen

May 9, 2010

“Wisdom” Speaks

NIV Proverbs 1:23 If you had responded to my rebuke, I would have poured out my heart to you and made my thoughts known to you.

24 But since you rejected me when I called and no one gave heed when I stretched out my hand,

25 since you ignored all my advice and would not accept my rebuke,

26 I in turn will laugh at your disaster; I will mock when calamity overtakes you-

27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster sweeps over you like a whirlwind, when distress and trouble overwhelm you.

28 "Then they will call to me but I will not answer; they will look for me but will not find me.

29 Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD,

30 since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke,

31 they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes.

Correction = Love

NIV Proverbs 3:11 My son, do not despise the LORD's discipline and do not resent his rebuke,

12 because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.

Key Point

God disciplines His disciples.

No Correction = No Strength

NIV Proverbs 5:11 At the end of your life you will groan, when your flesh and body are spent.

12 You will say, "How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!

No Correction = No Strength

13 I would not obey my teachers or listen to my instructors.

“How To” vs. “Not To”

NKJ Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp, And the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

Correction Keeps Us on Course

NKJ Proverbs 10:17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.

Seeking the “How To”

NIV Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

The Blessing of Correction

NIV Proverbs 13:18 He who ignores discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

NIV Proverbs 15:5 A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.

When More Correction is Needed

NIV Proverbs 15:10 Stern discipline awaits him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.

General Counsel

NIV Proverbs 15:31 He who listens to a life-giving rebuke will be at home among the wise.

32 He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.

NIV Proverbs 27:5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

NIV Proverbs 29:1 A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed-- without remedy.

When Moms Hurt

NIV Proverbs 29:15 The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.