Those who forsake instruction praise the wicked, but those who heed it resist them. Proverbs 28:4
Listening to and accepting instruction is an annoyance to many people. The classic example is of a dad who spends hours attempting to assemble a new toy on Christmas morning, because he does not want to read the instructions. He thinks he can do it without the instructions.
People do not like to be instructed because they want to do things their own way. Getting instructions is like being the underdog or the worker and not the leader or boss.
Everyone wants their freedom to do what they want, how they want and when they want, thus instructions are ignored. Many will try to find a loop-hole in the instructions to get out of following them.
Solomon says that those who would ignore instruction are actually lifting up those who are wicked.
Being given instructions is something that has occurred since Adam and Eve walked on their earth. God gave them a few instructions on how to tend the garden, yet they ignored the instructions and fell into sin. They gave honor to the devil and praised him.
Believers are to obey God and those in authority over them. Leaders will give instructions on how to do something, just as God does. Rejecting those instructions is being selfish and praising those who are wicked. It is saying that those who do things the wrong way are right. It is rejection of God.
However, accepting instruction is admitting one does not have all the answers. It is admitting that someone is greater. It is allowing God to be in control. In doing this one will be resisting the wicked and all sin. They will seek to walk on the path of righteousness in Christ Jesus.
God has some instructions for you on how you are to live your life. Some of those instructions you will read in the Bible. Some you will hear God speak to your heart. Others will be spoken to you through someone else.
You have two choices when you hear some instructions. You can ignore it and be selfish, self-knowing and walk the wrong path. Or you can accept it in obedience and walk the path God has for you.
Do not allow the ways of the wicked and this world lead you down the wrong path. Take the instructions God has for you and walk His path for you. Resist sin and follow God.
I pray today that you will hear God’s voice in your life; that God will reveal His instructions to you; that God will strengthen you to turn from all sin; and that you will walk the life of righteousness in Jesus.
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