“Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.”
I recently read an article about why men typically don’t read. I’m a reader, but not when it comes to instructions. Typically, I try to put things together or operate something without bothering with the instructions. I have never opened the owner’s manual to my truck. My sister-in-law shared recently that immediately after purchasing their new vehicle, she read the entire owner’s manual while her husband drove on a trip. In this verse, Solomon goes beyond just reading instructions. He talks about God’s followers not just reading but also listening to His instructions. The word “listening” reflects focusing on God entirely. In so doing, the person doesn’t walk away from God. It is not instinctual to just know God’s ways. After years of faithfully listening to and obeying God, it can eventually become more second nature, but only after years of learning to hear the still, small voice of His Spirit’s guidance. Until that point of maturity, it is incumbent on a God follower to learn to listen and obey. Maturity is seen in a follower when they realize that listening to God’s instruction, even when it calls for hard or scary obedience, is not a burden, but instead is a beautiful gift. Think of what we are saying: The Creator of the universe, the Supreme God, wants to and does speak to us. What a phenomenal, supernatural reality. Today, learn to listen well. #BeTheEdge
“He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”” Jesus
