A wise son heeds his father’s instruction,
but a mocker does not respond to rebukes.
Summary: Seeing God as our Father instead of a distant entity is a relatively new thing. Jesus changed everything when he came to earth. He revealed the Father’s love for us.
This proverb challenges me a bit. If I were reading through the Book of Proverbs in one sitting, I would gloss over this verse without much thought. Today, however, is different. Having to write about this verse requires that I confront it head-on. There is no escaping the challenge it presents. And what challenge is that, you ask? It is the challenge that confronts every son and every father.
The proverb doesn’t say anything about the father’s wisdom, but given that Solomon is speaking to his sons through the proverbs, it is a safe assumption (See Proverbs 1:8). Unfortunately, not every son is blessed with a wise father. Tragically, far too many young men never even know their fathers. The good news is that we are all children of the same God. God is a “father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5).
One of the most dramatic differences between the Old Testament and the New is the concept of God as our Father. The idea was understood in Old Testament times, but it was more of an abstract concept than a personal one. Jesus changed all that. Jesus made the Father, God, known (John 1:18).
With God as our Father, our human fathers fall under a different light. Absent or present, good or bad, we look at them through God’s eyes. All of us need a Savior (Romans 3:10), even our human fathers.
With this in mind, our proverb takes on a new meaning; are we heeding God’s instruction?
The Bible records God’s instructions for us. He is clear about what he wants from us (Micah 6:8, Matthew 22: 37-40). But our God and Father does not abandon us. We are not left alone. He seeks us out, calls us to himself, and speaks to us directly (1 Thessalonians 2:11-13, Galatians 4:6).
Application: As you read the Bible, think of it as a personal letter from your Father to you.
Food for Thought: How does God rebuke us and how should we respond when he does?
How does God rebuke us?
Through the Holy Spirit, our conscience, those pokes and pulls on the inside telling us that we’re doing something wrong.
Reading His word, when we read a passage that tells us the right thing to do and we’re not doing it.
Through loved ones, sometimes it’s stepping back and seeing how we are acting with them, sometimes it’s them living is enough to say that we’re not in the right at the moment.
Some people hear His voice. But He uses a lot to tell us when we’ve gone off the track. No matter which method we should respond in prayer and action….. Oops.
Nicely said, A!
The conviction of the Holy Spirit is hard to miss!
I like A’s comments. I have found that for both me and others, receiving rebuke from other believers can be challenging. Pride can get in the way. But there are many Proverbs and verses in Scripture about receiving well intended and loving rebuke.
When God rebukes us it shows He loves us and that we are children who need discipline. Hebrews 12: 4 – 13.
Should be Hebrews 12: 4 – 13. (Corrected – je)
Rich,
The Hebrews we passage is very interesting. The way you correlate a rebuke with discipline is also interesting. Lots to think about between the two.
Thank you brother. Rebuke and discipline are not necessarily the same thing. I think that If God rebukes a child of His then it is a form of discipline.
07-30-2022, Proverbs 13:1, How does God rebuke us and how should we respond when he does?
I knew a christian man who God had made very successful. The man abused God’s blessing by turning to a variety of sins.
The Lord took everything he had away from him, and he spent the next two years in poverty. He always had a roof over his head, never missed a meal, did keep an older car, and somehow was able to care for his 12 year old daughter.
He began returning to God and over time God began restoring His wealth.
He was able to provide for his daughter and himself without any help, and in time the Lord blessed him beyond his dreams.
He gave to his church, paid his taxes and it was still too much. So he gave 1/3 of all he had away. That done, he began living a quiet, reasonable life seeking to become a full time servant of His Lord.
We have learned all good things from our Heavenly Father who at times must rebuke or discipline His children so they will return to the path He desires for all. He rebukes those He loves and hovers over us ready to accept each the moment we change by turning back to Him.
Repent, return to God and live in His peace!
Thanks Ron!
It is inspiring how our God is both patient and persistent. Just like a good parent should be. 🙂
👍