The blessings of listening

TODAY'S BIBLE READING:

Leviticus 11:1-12:8 

Mark 5:21-43

Psalm 38:1-22

Proverbs 10:8-9

BIBLE VERSE(S) FOR TODAY:

Proverbs 10:8 "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 struggle 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.

Well, the writer of Proverbs tells us in today's verse of the day that the wise person is not proud. He doesn't think that he has it all together. He doesn't mind it when someone points out some area of his life that needs attention. In fact, it makes him glad to receive that correction. 

Why?

Because he knows that he is a better person for it. Someone has informed him of an area of his life that needs attention and he takes that information and makes the necessary adjustments.

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 may grow angry at someone for pointing out a flaw in their armor.

What is the result?

Proverbs 10:8 "The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces."

Since someone who is proud 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 someone that is glad when other's instruct you or are you too busy talking to listen to other's helpful counsel? The Lord would have us realize that we are blessed when we step off the throne of our hearts and humbly receive what others say.