June 22, 2009
Central Truth
Accountability is a necessary part of growth as a believer, but it involves a willing heart and teachable spirit.
Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you;
reprove a wise person and he will love you.
(Proverbs 9:8)
1
Wisdom has built her house;
she has hewn her seven pillars.
2
She has slaughtered her beasts; she has mixed her wine;
she has also set her table.
3
She has sent out her young women to call
from the highest places in the town,
4
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
To him who lacks sense she says,
5
“Come, eat of my bread
and drink of the wine I have mixed.
6
Leave your simple ways,
1
9:6
Or Leave the company of the simple
and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
7
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9
Give instruction
2
9:9
Hebrew lacks instruction
to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11
For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12
If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it.
13
The woman Folly is loud;
she is seductive
3
9:13
Or full of simpleness
and knows nothing.
14
She sits at the door of her house;
she takes a seat on the highest places of the town,
15
calling to those who pass by,
who are going straight on their way,
16
“Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
And to him who lacks sense she says,
17
“Stolen water is sweet,
and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.”
18
But he does not know that the dead
4
9:18
Hebrew Rephaim
are there,
that her guests are in the depths of Sheol.
I have never liked discipline. As a child, I took pride in being good and not getting into trouble. My parents occasionally tried to give me “constructive criticism,” but I never appreciated the “constructive” part and would take offense to any suggestions for improvement. Even early in my marriage, I was reluctant to share any struggles that we had for fear of inviting accountability into my life and losing a perfect appearance.
Thankfully, my attitude changed about two years ago when my community group decided to get more deeply involved in each other’s lives. It was a painful process for me at first, but I’ve learned to share honestly and allow accountability into my life and my marriage. Through the process I’ve learned how to love my husband better and have been challenged to live a life fully committed to Christ. Every week, I meet with five women and ask for prayer and their honest feedback on how I’m doing in my walk with Christ. It’s still not easy to accept suggestions, but God has softened my heart, and the results of a deeper knowledge of my Savior have been far worth the initial discomfort.
Just like my community group offers advice and encouragement in my relationship with Christ, the Lord longs to teach us and give us wisdom according to His Word. The Bible says that if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it, who gives to all generously (James 1:5). Along with that wisdom from God comes reproof for areas in our lives that need work. If we are like the mocker, we will refuse the correction and stay stagnant in our relationship with Him. But if we are like the wise person, God’s loving counsel will be used to further our understanding of Him.
1. Who is holding you accountable in your life to dig deeper in God’s Word and live fully committed to Him?
2. How do you respond to constructive criticism—with a willing heart or a defensive spirit?
3. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God’s loving correction?