How can you actively seek "reproof" to gain "honor" as Proverbs 13:18 suggests? The Call of Proverbs 13:18 “Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.” (Proverbs 13:18) Why Reproof Matters • Reproof is an expression of love (Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19). • It accelerates wisdom and growth (Proverbs 15:31-33). • Ignoring it brings loss; embracing it brings honor and stability (Proverbs 13:18). • Scripture itself is a primary source of corrective truth (2 Timothy 3:16). Common Barriers to Receiving Correction • Pride that resists being shown wrong (Proverbs 16:18). • Fear of losing face or status. • An unrenewed mind that values comfort over holiness. • Surrounding ourselves with people who only flatter (Proverbs 27:6). How to Actively Seek Reproof 1. Invite it intentionally. – Tell trusted believers, “If you see anything off in me, speak up.” – Keep short accounts with those you live and serve with. 2. Pursue wise counselors. – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) – Choose mentors whose lives display godly fruit. 3. Immerse yourself in Scripture daily. – Read with a repentant heart, asking the Spirit to spotlight attitudes and actions (Psalm 139:23-24). 4. Participate in accountable community. – Join a small group or ministry team where transparency is normal. – Practice confession and mutual exhortation (James 5:16; Hebrews 3:13). 5. Evaluate providential circumstances. – Hardships often carry God’s corrective voice (Hebrews 12:11). – Ask, “Lord, what are You teaching me here?” 6. Keep a teachability journal. – Record every correction you receive, how you responded, and the fruit that followed. Responding Well When Correction Arrives • Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19). • Weigh the rebuke against Scripture; keep what is true (Acts 17:11). • Repent promptly where sin is exposed. • Thank the person who cared enough to speak (Proverbs 27:5). • Apply what you learned and seek accountability for follow-through. Cultivating a Heart That Welcomes Reproof • Pray regularly for humility and a soft heart (Psalm 141:5). • Meditate on verses that commend correction (Proverbs 12:1; 9:8-9). • Serve others; servanthood kills pride and opens ears. • Fast periodically to subdue the flesh and heighten spiritual sensitivity. The Promise of Honor • God honors those who humble themselves under His word (Isaiah 66:2). • Honor often follows humility before people as well—trust grows where teachability is evident (Proverbs 3:34). • Wisdom gained through reproof equips you to bless others, further increasing favor (Proverbs 9:9). Living It Out Daily – Ask the Holy Spirit to examine you. – Read Scripture with a pen ready to note corrections. Weekly – Meet with a mentor or accountability partner; request honest feedback. – Review journal entries, noting progress and remaining blind spots. Monthly – Evaluate key relationships: marriage, family, workplace, church. Where has correction been ignored? Where has it been heeded? – Celebrate the honor—peace, respect, and spiritual fruit—that has followed obedience to reproof. |
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