Don’t Learn The Hard Way

If you punish a mocker, the simpleminded will learn a lesson;if you correct the wise, they will be all the wiser.

Proverbs 19:25

Have you ever noticed that a foolish person has to always learn the hard way? They’re mockers. Mockers think they are above the rules. They think that the warnings and principles of God’s Word don’t apply to them.

Ladies, is there an area of disobedience you just don’t think you have to give up?

Maybe it’s the way you treat your mother. You resent needing to help her, you resent some things in the past, you’re always on edge with her. Your sour attitude will come back to haunt you, because it doesn’t just hurt your mother; it dishonors God. Maybe there is a secret sin in your life that you keep hanging on to. The Holy Spirit keeps sending pangs of conviction; you know it’s wrong. Do you realize you aren’t just neglecting his influence; you are mocking his authority in your life? This is a foolish decision. Do you have to wait until the consequences of that sin come crashing in on you before you get it?

On the other hand, the wise are tender to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. So let me ask you a question. When you read your Bible, or listen to a message from God’s Word, are you hungry to learn and change and grow? Do you take his lessons and promptings to heart? Are you tired of learning the hard way? I am! Let’s then be quick to hear the Lord’s correction—because a word to the wise is sufficient.

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Has it been a while since you sensed the conviction of the Holy Spirit? That’s not necessarily a good sign. I find that some of the most mature and deeply godly people I know are increasingly sensitive to sin in their lives. They don’t live in condemnation, but they have a passion for purity—not just in others, but in themselves. Remember what God said to the Laodicean church: “I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference” (Revelation 3:19).

One Year Bible Reading

2 Chronicles 6:12–8:10; Romans 7:14–8:8; Psalm 18:1-15; Proverbs 19:24-25