Read Proverbs 12
I read Proverbs 12 from the New Living Translation.
My thoughts on Proverbs 12:
Learning requires discipline - instruction and correction
I must develop deep roots in the Word and in my relationship with God - Roots sheresh, a root (literally or figuratively):—bottom, deep, heel, root (Strong's H8328) ("Have the roots [of your being] firmly and deeply planted [in Him, fixed and founded in Him], being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving." [Colossians 2:7 AMPC])
Words of the godly save lives - always remember the power of your words. They can be both creative and destructive depending on how you use them.
The godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit and we do this through our connection to the Living Vine, Jesus Christ. ("I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing." [John 15:5 AMPC])
Producing fruit honors God and identifies us as belonging to Him. ("When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified, and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine." [John 15:8 AMPC)
There are benefits in wise words and rewards for hard work.
Listen to others. We need wise counsel. ("Where there is no counsel, purposes are frustrated, but with many counselors they are accomplished." [Proverbs 15:20 AMPC] "Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors." ([Psalm 119:24 AMPC])
Wisdom allows us to be calm when insulted. ("If the temper of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place [or show a resisting spirit]; for gentleness and calmness prevent or put a stop to great offenses." [Ecclesiastes 10:4 AMPC])
Use your words to heal and not cut others. ("Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out." [Colossians 3:6 AMPC])
The Lord detests, hates, lying lips - we hate should doing things that God hates. ("These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren." [Proverbs 6:16-19 AMPC])
There is power in encouraging words. You can change someone's day by the words you speak. ("Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing." [1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMPC])
Be diligent in all you do, especially in growing spiritually. Diligent - Steady in application to business; constant in effort or exertion to accomplish what is undertaken; assiduous; attentive; industrious; not idle or negligent; Steadily applied; prosecuted with care and constant effort; careful (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary) ("Listen diligently to my speech, and let my declaration be in your ears." [Job 13:17 AMPC])
The verse that spoke to me:
"To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction." (Proverbs 12:1 NLT)
"Whoever loves instruction and correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is like a brute beast, stupid and indiscriminating." Proverbs 12:1 AMPC)
"To learn the truth you must long to be teachable, or you can despise correction and remain ignorant" (Proverbs 12:1 TPT)
My takeaway:
When I read the first verse I had to stop. I realized I needed to sit with this verse a little longer and focus on the word discipline.
Discipline - To instruct or educate; to inform the mind; to prepare by instructing in correct principles and habits; To instruct and govern; to teach rules and practice, and accustom to order and subordination; To correct; to chastise; to punish; To advance and prepare by instruction (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary)
Discipline has many facets. It teaches and it corrects. It gives us standards and boundaries. Throughout Proverbs we are reminded about the importance of correction and being counseled.
I've thought of discipline as it relates to correction and, at times, it's had a negative connotation for me. Yet, I've leaned on discipline to become more intimate with God, to be a better wife, to live a healthier lifestyle, to even write my daily devotions and take on this Proverbs challenge. Without discipline I would not be successful at any of these things.
We need correction and to be steadfast in life in order to stay on the right path, God's path for our lives. Discipline provides both. It causes us to be accountable for our words and actions while keeping us committed to living a life that honors God.
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be firm (steadfast), immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord [always being superior, excelling, doing more than enough in the service of the Lord], knowing and being continually aware that your labor in the Lord is not futile [it is never wasted or to no purpose]." (1 Corinthians 15:58 AMPC)
"So be very courageous and steadfast to keep and do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, turning not aside from it to the right hand or the left. (Joshua 23:6 AMPC)
Despising discipline or living a life that lacks discipline is stupid! The Bible said it, not me, but I do agree. Why wouldn't we take advantage of every tool God has given us to live wisely?
Verse one also mentioned loving discipline. I hadn't thought about loving it. Given all of the benefits of discipline maybe I should love it.
FAITH CONFESSION:
Lord, thank You for the gift of discipline. Thank You for showing me the advantages of embracing discipline. I love Your discipline. I will be steadfast to Your Word and live a life that exemplifies discipline. Let Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, through me.
Share in the comments what verse spoke to you and why. Let's grow in wisdom together.
Be Encouraged! ❤