4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Leviticus 11:1-12:8
Mark 5:21-43
Psalm 38:1-22
Proverbs 10:8-9
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Proverbs 10:8 (NLT): “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The core sin that each of us struggles with is pride. It would seem that all of our other sins stem from that one – we sit on the throne of our own heart and do as we please.
In the verse that I have chosen for today, we learn that a wise person is not proud. He doesn’t think he has it all together. He doesn’t mind it when someone points out an area of his life that needs attention. In fact, it makes him glad to receive that correction.
Proverbs 10:8 (NLT): “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.”
Why?
Because the wise person knows that he/she is better for it. Someone has informed them of an area in their life that needs attention, and they take that information and make the necessary adjustments. Humility is essential for someone to respond this way.
A proud person doesn’t listen, though. They don’t like it when someone points out an area of concern in their life. They are too busy talking (“babbling”). They are not humble enough to acknowledge that there are plenty of things they can learn from other people. Instead, they become angry at the person who pointed out one of their flaws.
What is the result?
Proverbs 10:8 “The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.”
Since a proud person is too busy talking so that they don’t receive helpful instruction from others, they will “fall flat on their faces.” They may experience the negative consequences of their actions that could have been avoided if they had only listened to others.
So, are you glad when others instruct you or are you too busy talking to listen to others’ helpful counsel? The Lord wants us to realize that we will be blessed when we step off the throne of our hearts and humbly receive what others say.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.
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