Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life.
The Bible is full of instructions, corrections and reproofs, and many people wonder why this is so. As a matter of fact, the bulk of information given in both the old and the new testament consists of instructions in some form or the other, and thus it is imperative that we understand why this is the case. In our passage for today the Psalmist David explains why, it is because they are the way of life, it's that simple. When we read the next verses in Proverbs chapter six, we are given some of the reasons why reproofs of instruction are so essential to our well-being. Let's read:
Proverbs 6:24 To keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a strange woman. 25 Lust not after her beauty in thine heart; neither let her take thee with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a whorish woman a man is brought to a piece of bread: and the adultress will hunt for the precious life.
This is not the first nor the last time the Bible speaks out on this issue, for it is repeated by most of the Bible writers in almost every book of the Bible. The reason for this preponderance of instruction on this and other issues is so that the Christian, and anyone who loves righteousness may have a clear moral compass in things which pertain to godly living. If these instructions are faithfully adhered to by the grace of God, they will cause us to have clear concepts of truth and duty, and as a result, the image of God will be reflected radiantly in our lives.
Early on in the book of Deuteronomy the Lord warned His people of the very same thing that we just read in proverbs, and it is ironical that the writer for the passage today, fell into the very same snare he now warns us of. The kings of Israel were cautioned not to multiply wives to themselves, because they would inevitably be turned to the worship of false gods. Let's read:
Deuteronomy 17:15 Thou shalt in any wise set him king over thee, whom the Lord thy God shall choose: one from among thy brethren shalt thou set king over thee: thou mayest not set a stranger over thee, which is not thy brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that he should multiply horses: forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way. 17 Neither shall he multiply wives to himself, that his heart turn not away: neither shall he greatly multiply to himself silver and gold.
This instruction was obviously disregarded by king Solomon, and it certainly led him down the path of degradation and disgrace, for as a rule, sin always takes us further than we are willing to go, it costs us more than we are willing to pay, and it keeps us longer than we are willing to stay. Let's read:
1st Kings 11:2 Of the nations concerning which the Lord said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.
In our day there is often manifested a determined resistance to instructions and reproofs, for many people are unable to read in them, the love and concern of God over His erring Children. As a result the multitudes prefer smooth things to be presented, which do not stir the heart or bother the conscience, and hence the reason why a superficial brand of Christianity has taken deep root in modern Christendom.
But God is now calling all true-hearted and sincere people everywhere, to adopt the instructions of reproofs given in His word, for if we do, God will grant to us increasing measures of His Holy Spirit so that our lives will be a blessing wherever we may go. We therefore end with a passage of scripture that points us to the good and upright principles of God's kingdom, so that we may make straight paths for our feet. Let's read:
Psalms 1:1Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study and doing of His every word. God Bless!