Thought for Today
The Hearing of the Wise
“A wise son heareth his father’s instruction:
but a scorner heareth not rebuke”
Proverbs 13:1
The wise hear the Father’s correction and instruction. A proud scorner cannot hear the reproof of the righteous. It is the heart’s condition that determines hearing.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence;
for out of it are the issues of life”
Proverbs 4:23
The issues of life are determined by our hearts; for life is about affection, desire and love. What the heart pursues determines the course and end of each person’s life. Those who love truth, will hear the truth. The self-seeking will hear only that which will promote them and their agendas.
Judas heard the words of Christ, he saw the wondrous works of the Father, and the love and grace of Christ, with no effect.
It is within the confines of loving truth, embracing truth and becoming true that His Own show forth the verity of His Salvation. Those who are of the truth desire it; even if it means receiving correction, admonition and rebuke. To love truth is to seek it out.
David cried out in the Psalms:
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness:
and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil…”
Psalm 141:5
The proud, the religious and the self-seeking do not heed the corrections of the Father. Those who love truth receive graciously the words of truth from foe and friend alike; therein is the promise of life and honor. God can use even the words of our foes for our benefit; words that search our hearts and cause us to take heed to our ways. The hungry in heart find instruction in all things for they know that all things are ordained of God for their learning.
“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee:
rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee”
Proverbs 9:9
The scorner (the proud of heart) hates reproof and correction whereas the wise one loves truth enough to receive those words as from the Lord.
“My sheep hear my voice,
and I know them, and they follow me”
John 10:27
Brian Troxel
