“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction” (Proverbs 12:1 NLT). My father used to call me stupid, and I didn’t like it one bit. But looking back, I did do some really dumb things.
Pride was my biggest problem. I hated correction and was unwilling to commit myself to instruction (Proverbs 23:12).
My know-it-all attitude kept me from listening to valid criticism from God and people who knew better. I didn’t understand that “wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy” (Proverbs 27:6 NLT).
Pride kept me from taking responsibility. I had an excuse for everything that went wrong. It also caused me to act foolishly. My lack of discipline and self-control deteriorated any good plans I had for the future.
As a result, I ended up in prison for over 30 years, where I met many others who hated correction. Our foolish pride cost us our freedom, dignity, and relationships. “Pride leads to disgrace” (Proverbs 11:2 NLT). I am a living example of the truth of that verse.
I’m so glad that my prideful self eventually discovered the truth of the second part of Proverbs 11:2: “but with humility comes wisdom.” The day I humbled myself before God was when my life began to be built upon wisdom, instead of stupidity. Psalm 111:10 NLT says, “Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom.”
This verse isn’t talking about being afraid of God. That kind of fear would cause us to shrink back, not draw near to Him (Hebrews 4:16; James 4:8). Instead, it means we are to have a reverential fear of God; it can be translated as “awe.”
Think about standing on a beach and looking upon a vast, crystal blue ocean. Or imagine standing on a high mountain, overlooking a magnificent view. Moments like that take our breath away.
When I finally feared God—grasped the awe of His majesty, love, and power—and humbled myself before Him, I began to grow wise. And out of my awe and respect for Him, I no longer wanted to disobey or live in opposition to His ways.
The fear of the Lord helped me grow wiser by increasing my knowledge, insight, and understanding. And it eventually led me out of prison for good. (Read Proverbs chapters 1 and 2 to learn more benefits of wisdom.)
Many think they can forsake fearing the Lord and still become wise. They assume life’s experiences and academic knowledge are enough. But if a person doesn’t acknowledge God as the source of wisdom, their foundation for making wise decisions is shaky. A wise person builds their life on the solid foundation of God’s ways (Matthew 7:24–27).
Are you ready to be a wise person who grows in wisdom? Humble yourself before the LORD and become in awe of Him. Embrace correction from God and others. “Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser” (Proverbs 9:9 NLT).
Wisdom leads to a fruitful life. “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way” (Hebrews 12:11 NLT).
If seeking wisdom and correction are new to you, ask God to waken your ear to instruction (Isaiah 50:4). He will guide you in what is right and teach you His way (Psalm 25:8–9).
Let’s pray: Lord, help me to be in awe of You and become wise. Help me to listen, to receive correction without fear or defense, and to trust that Your discipline is a sign that You love me. Let Your wisdom mold me into who You’ve called me to be. Amen.
Consider: When being corrected, what emotion surfaces first? What might that reaction be protecting? What might God be inviting you to learn or become through the discomfort you are resisting?
ROY A. BORGES served 31 years in the Florida Department of Corrections, where he realized his need for a Savior. While incarcerated, Roy ministered to others through his writings, over 300 of which have been published. Roy’s book, 101 Short Stories from the Prison Cell, is available from amazon.com.
