Proverbs 15:31-32, Taking Reproofs

October 9, Proverbs 15:31-32

John 3:18-22; Eph. 5:6-14 “Oh! For a wise reprover, and an obedient ear!”

Taking Reproofs

How hard it is to take reproofs! Thus it is a frequent topic with Proverbs. The reproof of life speaks of God’s reproving sinners. Though we give many reproofs that are undeserved, or given in ill-temper, this is never the case with God. Our consciences confirm our guilt and also the justice of God. His rebuke is to bring us to conviction and lead to salvation. Our rebukes are often unkind, but God’s never! Paul reminds Titus of the goodness and kindness of God our Saviour (3:4). He writes, Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God (Rom. 11:22).

1. Accept Reproof, We Must. The ear that heareth reproof of life abideth among the wise. Try to accept reproofs in the right spirit, especially when we often need them, and deserve them. How beautifully David expresses this. Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, that shall not break my head (Ps. 141:5). “Prophets of God have usually been on the receiving end of more mud than medals” (Anon).

a. There is Soul-Grandeur. He abideth among the wise (v.31b). The wise are not just the enlightened. They are also the holy, the just and the good. They are the righteous whose delight is to love and serve the Lord, who prize above all the approving voice of God. Again, Solomon emphasises that obedience, life, and wisdom, form a trio that sing well together. The ear that hears reproof of life has a permanent place among the saints. These are translated into the Kingdom of Heaven. In the N.T. such already sit in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. No human honours can give soul-grandeur to equal that! “The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own esteem” (CHS). Then was not Christ the noblest example of soul-grandeur? Psalm 69:7-9 has special Messianic import, for it applies to Christ, uniquely, does it not? Who can say, as He did, The reproaches of them that reproach thee are fallen upon me (Jn. 1:11; 2:17; Rom.15:3)?

b. There is Soul Gain. What is the outcome of this? He that heareth reproof getteth understanding (v.32b), literally, possesses or purchases heart; that is, a heart for God and wisdom. To him who has shall be given more. That is God’s law of soul-gain. “Faithful, friendly reproofs help the spiritual life, and lead to eternal life” (Henry). By being in this circle with God, and godly men and women, he that hears reproof acquires more wisdom. He sees how he must repel evil at every turn. He is encouraged and enabled more and more to pursue the good, the true and the beautiful. Is this not soul-gain desirable above all else? Here is wisdom that is a light to the path and shines more and more unto the perfect day. “Christ bore our curse, and we may well bear His cross.”

Thought: “Reproofs ought to have a grain more of sugar than of salt” (Anon.).

Prayer: Lord, that I might be submissive to all the reproofs of life.