PROVERBS 17
16 Every prudent man acts with knowledge,
but a fool flaunts his folly.
17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a faithful envoy brings healing.
18 Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction,
but whoever heeds reproof is honored.
19 A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul,
but to turn away from evil is an abomination to fools.
20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise,
but the companion of fools will suffer harm.
– Proverbs 17:16-20
PROVERBS 17 WHEN ONE IGNORES INSTRUCTION
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When one doesn’t listen to counsel from wise people
He will encounter difficulties, poverty and disgrace
When a parent brings up his children in wisdom and truth
That child learns to obey and follow directions
But when children are left on their own without reproof
They also learn how to be defiant and ignore instructions.
Paul instructs the Ephesian church as to the importance of bringing up children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord in Ephesians 6:1-4. He mentions that to honor your parents is the first commandment with a promise. Things will go well with those who obey their parents. There is also strict instruction to the fathers not to provoke their children in anger but to discipline them in God’s laws.
Solomon gives us the result when people ignore instructions in verse 18 which leads to poverty and disgrace. In Proverbs 29:15 he says that the rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother. He further admonishes parents to discipline your child and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. It is sad that in today’s world, many parents don’t bring up their children in God’s instructions.
REFLECTION
- Share some insights regarding lack of discipline in children in our society now.
