True Wisdom – James 3:13-18
18. True Wisdom joyfully receives correction.
Hebrews 12
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid… The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:1, 15)
Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. (Proverbs 19:20)
The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. (Proverbs 15:31-32)
When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge. (Proverbs 21:11)
Study it Out
- What is the inadvertent self-view of someone who is unwilling to listen to instruction or corrective advice from someone else according to Proverbs 15? Since it is pride that blinds, what is the answer to this harmful attitude?
- The word discipline implies the idea of training. When God disciplines us as mentioned in Hebrews 12, what is the desired result? How does this help us to gratefully accept correction from His Word and others?
- How can God use others in our lives to bring about His loving discipline and correction? Can you gain knowledge from someone giving correction from vindictive or selfish motives? How is this possible?
- When was the last time someone offered you a word of correction? How did you respond?