Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: Psalm 48 and Proverbs 12

The first verse of Proverbs 12 sets the scene by declaring the central thought of the whole chapter: “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”

Then, about halfway through the chapter we are reminded of the big idea again, in verse 15: “Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.”

And finally, in v.28 the most compelling reason to gratefully receive discipline, correction and wise advice is declared: “The way of the godly leads to life; that path does not lead to death.”

As disciples, when we accept that there is nothing more important and abundant-life-giving than following Jesus as closely as possible in His True Way of Life, we come to realise how crucial it is to be open to the wise and loving correction of those who are also on the Way. Each of us has blind spots. Each of us stumbles off the Way from time to time. Each of us needs the loving help of others to guide us on the Way of Jesus. It is foolish and prideful to believe that we always know better and follow Jesus better than others. Pride leads to the foolish refusal to receive godly counsel, direction and even correction from our fellow-followers of the Way. Humility leads to ever-increasing wisdom, because it gladly receives wise counsel, direction and correction from others.

God of Wisdom, please bring into my life those who are deeply committed to following Jesus, deeply committed to loving others, and deep in their understanding of the Way. Help me, in true humility, to be open to their counsel and correction of my missteps and stumbles. I long to learn to know You better, grow to love you more deeply and follow You more closely all the days of my life. Amen.