Proverbs 29 - Live and LEARN

Verse 1 says, “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy.” Boy, I hope that is never me, though I can say it was in the past. There were many, many times when people tried to help me, gave me wise advice, but I wouldn’t listen. I kept living my life by my rules, and then life punched me right in the face. Fortunately, I was able to recover, by the grace of God.

When bad things happen to us, I’m talking about the things that we usually bring upon ourselves, we often wonder, why? However, do we ever stop to see the warning signs that were there along the way? The friend who tried to help us. The teacher who corrected us. The parents who punished us. The preacher who spoke wisdom to us. Oh, how foolish we act and ignore wisdom and rebuke, then wonder why the world comes crashing down on us.

If this is you, please stop and listen, before it is too late. Take heed to the warnings of others. Instead of being angry or feeling like they’re “out to get you”, listen to the rebukes for what they are: warnings and love. The people care enough about you to try to help you down the right path. Ignore them too long and (as verse 1 states) eventually you “will suddenly be destroyed – without remedy”. That means it will be too late and no turning back. Don’t reach that point, be thankful for the rebukes and LISTEN to them. I thank God that I came around before it was too late.