Don’t Refuse Instruction

He who keeps instruction is in the way of life,But he who refuses correction goes astray.

Proverbs 10:17 (NKJV)

I love what commentator H. A. Ironside had to say about this proverb: “It is only when man learns to mistrust himself and to rely alone upon the unerring Word of God, unfolded by the Holy Spirit, that his feet walk in the way of life. . . . Let me gladly, then, receive correction.”

The journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promised Land is full of important lessons for us. As they were crossing the Jordon, that river that separated them from the land of rich blessings, they were told to follow the Ark of the Covenant, which held the Word of God. And then God used this compelling phrase: “For you have not passed this way before” (Joshua 3:4, NKJV). This captures me. And here’s the lesson for us, we are just two months into this new year, and each day holds events and obstacles and dilemmas. There will be moments like crossroads, when your choice in a moment of time can affect your life for years. You need to come to God’s Word each morning, eager and expectant. Let him speak to you. Write down at least one truth that stands out. Look for a lesson and instruction to ponder, and then ask the Lord himself to help you apply it. This is truly where the rubber meets the road. Our proverb says, “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life.”

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Reflecting on the lessons we can learn from the wilderness journey, Hebrews 3:10 gives us bottom-line insight into why some never entered the Promised Land: God said, “Their hearts always turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.” Basically, they weren’t good listeners or quick learners. Every time we know the right thing to do and shrug it off or put it off, we are slipping back into the dry barren wilderness. Let’s not do that.

Let’s Pray

Lord, teach me to hear your voice. And then give me the desire and courage to obey.

One Year Bible Reading

Leviticus 19:1–20:21; Mark 8:11-38; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 10:17