Hear the Instruction of a Father
A good father provides instruction, and sometimes instruction does NOT feel good. As children of God (the best Father) we have to hear His instruction from the Word, even if it’s not what we want to hear. What does the Bible say?
- Prov. 1:8 KJV – “My son, hear the instruction of thy father… ”
- Prov. 4:1 KJV – “Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.”
- Prov. 13:1 KJV – “A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”
- Prov. 15:5 KJV – “A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.”
There is so much danger in being like the fools that despise their father’s instruction. The Proverbial writer says, “He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding” (Prov. 15:32). We are endangering our souls when we refuse the instruction given!
Understanding the benefits of instruction (explained in our last post), why, then, would anyone ever despise or refuse instruction? The short answer: Instruction sometimes HURTS! In all of the verses mentioned so far, instruction is from the Hebrew word muwcar (S:4148), which is translated in the Bible as correction, chasten, chastisement, check, discipline, and rebuke. Instruction is often contrary to our will or our logic, and so it comes to CORRECT us! Ouch!
Proverbs 3:11-12 breaks it down: “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” Chastening in verse 11 is from the exact same Hebrew word as instruction, muwcar. Instruction and chastening are synonymous! Did God send His Word to instruct and correct you concerning your mouth, your attitude, or your actions? Is He chastening and challenging you regarding your home, your job, or your relationships? Don’t despise it and don’t get tired! Don’t refuse and reject it. Be grateful! Instruction and chastening is all about a Father that loves you!
In our day and time, many people HATE correction, discipline, and chastening from God or people. Those are almost bad words in the minds of many that simply desire that you coddle, condone, and celebrate their behaviors. Still, God is a FATHER who gives His instruction and correction out of love. In Hebrews 12:5-11, He reiterates this lesson:
And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
How tight is that? When God loves and receives you, He does the work of chastening, rebuking, and correcting you. Even though it feels grievous (not joyous) in the moment, He does it for OUR profit. He’s helping us walk in His holiness, and despite what we feel along the way, the fruit that comes AFTERWARD is the peaceable fruit of righteousness! We, His children, can’t forget this! We must submit to His instruction and live!
Rejoice if God is giving you instruction and correction. Be grateful for a loving Father who is actively helping you be right and pleasing in His sight. Embrace the truth of God’s Word: “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” (Prov. 19:20).