What other Proverbs emphasize the importance of wisdom and correction? Starting Point: Proverbs 19:25—A Snapshot “Strike a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning man, and he will gain knowledge.” Wisdom Loves Correction: Companion Proverbs • Proverbs 9:8-9 — “Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning.” • Proverbs 10:17 — “He who heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who refuses reproof goes astray.” • Proverbs 12:1 — “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” • Proverbs 13:18 — “Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” • Proverbs 15:31-32 — “He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.” • Proverbs 17:10 — “A rebuke cuts deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.” • Proverbs 19:20 — “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days.” • Proverbs 25:12 — “Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.” • Proverbs 27:5-6 — “Better an open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” • Proverbs 29:1 — “A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.” • Proverbs 29:15 — “A rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left to himself disgraces his mother.” God’s Loving Discipline Framed in Proverbs • Proverbs 3:11-12 — “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or resent His rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” • Proverbs 6:20-23 — “My son, keep your father’s commandment … the reproofs of discipline are the way to life.” Themes That Surface • Correction exposes the heart: the wise embrace it, the fool resists. • Discipline today prevents disaster tomorrow (19:25; 29:1). • Loving rebukes from friends (27:5-6) and family (6:20-23) are treasures, not threats. • God’s own discipline (3:11-12) models true parental love. Practical Takeaways • Welcome reproof as a “life-giving” gift that enlarges understanding. • Surround yourself with friends who value truth over comfort. • Measure success by growth in wisdom, not avoidance of correction. |
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