Proverbs - Be a Person Who Receives Instruction

Proverbs 13:18

 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:

but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

When we regard reproof we will be honored.  To regard reproof means that we want to be shown where we are falling short or where we need to improve.  Anyone that is good at anything got there by finding out what they were doing wrong.  The Lord is so good.  He never shows us where we are wrong without sending the instruction to teach us how to do what is right.  He is a good teacher.

 If we want our children to honor us they need to see a mom/dad that is learning, correcting, apologizing and growing.  This creates an environment where the Holy Spirit is welcomed and pride and stubbornness are not.  Our children will honor us if we regard reproof.  When there is humility of mind there is the grace of the Lord.  The presence of the Lord will be obvious to all in our home.  His instruction will flow and our homes will become more and more under His tutorship and leading. 

This verse also deals with our finances.  If we are people who refuse instruction, financial ruin and shame will follow.  This verse lets us know that if we want to be blessed financially we need to be instructed by the Lord through whatever means He sends.  Perhaps we are reaping from impulsive expenditures and accruing exorbitant interest on credit cards.  Are you refusing the instruction of the painful consequences?  Learn from your mistakes.

 Don’t refuse instruction.  Be open to His chastening and correction.  He loves us and all of His discipline is rooted in a heart that loved us enough to give every last drop of blood on our behalf.  He is very smart; in fact, He is the wisdom we need to conduct our lives in a way that is safe and blessed.  Embrace the instruction he gives you and don’t refuse instruction.  Shame and poverty awaits those who refuse instruction but he that regards reproof will receive honor.