“Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.”
Another somewhat common theme in Proverbs is the concept of learning from another’s example, especially bad examples. A wise person sees the bad consequences of another’s decisions and avoids making the same choices. In the same way we learn by watching someone else make good decisions. A critical element of discipleship is learning from an older and wiser believers example. We watch that person as they conform their life to God’s teachings, reap the rewards of obedience and emulate that behavior. Early in my life I watched an older friend make some bad choices and suffer for them. It was not my genius but rather my desire to avoid their outcomes that led me to avoid those behaviors. Over time I grew in Christ I followed the example and teachings of Jesus. As I began to live based on my own judgement rather than the failures of others I experienced the discipline of my Savior when I chose to meander from His path. From those rebukes I learned in the same way that I had from watching others. It is a sign of maturity when God leads us individually and we learn from our interactions with Him alone. Today live wisely. #BeTheEdge
“because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Hebrews 12:6 NIV
