Wisdom and Correction (Proverbs 15:31-33)
Introduction:
Words for “correction” in Proverbs
- Instruction – Correction, chastening, reproving, teaching
- Reproof – Rebuke, correction
I. The Nature of Correction
A. The Relationships of Correction
1. Superior to Inferior
2. Peer to Peer
B. The Spirit of Correction
1. Love (Proverbs 3:11-12; 13:24; 27:5-6)
2. Hope (Proverbs 19:18; 23:13-14; 29:17)
II. The Necessity of Correction
A. Necessary for Initial Wisdom (Proverbs 1)
B. Necessary for Successful Living (Proverbs 6:23; 10:23; 15:31)
C. Necessary for the Wises of People (Proverbs 9:8-9; 19:25)
D. Necessary Time and Time Again (Proverbs 13:24)
III. The Fool and Correction
A. Foolish Responses
1. Some despise correction (Proverbs 1:7; 5:12; 15:5)
“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.” Proverbs 12:1
2. Some harden themselves to correction. (Proverbs 29:1)
3. Some ignore correction. (Proverbs 10:17; 13:1, 18; 15:32)
4. Some hate the corrector. (Proverbs 9:8; 15:12)
5. Some shame the corrector. (Proverbs 9:7)
6. Some avoid wise people. (Proverbs 15:12)
B. The Future Consequences
1. Sadness and regret (Proverbs 5:12-14)
2. Straying from the right path (Proverbs 5:23; 10:17)
3. Poverty and shame (Proverbs 13:18)
4. Sudden destruction (Proverbs 29:1)
5. Death (Proverbs 15:10; 23:13-14; 19:18)
IV. The Wise and Correction
A. Wise Responses
1. Listening and obeying correction (Proverbs 13:1, 8; 15:32)
“Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12
2. Loving the corrector (Proverbs 9:8-9; 12:1)
“The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.” Proverbs 23:24
B. The Future Blessings
“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Hebrews 12:11
1. Death of foolishness (Proverbs 22:15)
2. Increase in wisdom (Proverbs 9:9; 15:31-32; 19:20, 25)
3. Honor (Proverbs 13:18; 15:330
Correction is done in love and hope.
Correction is necessary continuously.
WISDOM:
– I listen to and obey correction.
– I love the one correction me.
FOOLISHNESS:
– I hate correction.
– I am hardened to correction.
– I ignore correction.
– I hate anyone who corrects me.
– I avoid wise people.