INSTRUCTION OF WISDOM

I love to study the meanings of words. I like to know exactly what I am saying and what is being said to me. Unfortunately, most words are not used today as they were originally used because we have allowed their meanings to change. That's why I like the Websters 1828 Dictionary because it shows the original meanings of words. It's actually kind of sad that even the dictionaries of today have changed the meanings to match how we use the words rather than the other way around. It is man's way though. Since the beginning of time we have taken words and twisted them to mean what we want them to mean, rather than how they were originally intended. We even do it to God's Word, don't we? Just like the dictionary was intended to teach us so we'd know the meaning of our own language, and impart knowledge, God's Word is to teach us the way HE wants us to live. Both were meant to teach, train and instruct us in life. Both are used for knowledge, wisdom, and instruction. After we kids had passed first grade, just about any time we asked Mom how to spell a word she'd say, "Look it up." She wanted us to sound it out and get a dictionary and look for it, and then also read what it meant. That way we learned how to spell it AND how to use it in every day speech. INSTRUCT: To teach; to inform the mind; to educate; to impart knowledge to one who was destitute of it. To direct; to persuade or admonish. To form; to prepare. The word instruction is used 26 times in book of Proverbs alone. It is always used when talking of discipline with love, but also shows a sternness with that love. It is used with words like "chastisement" and "reproof." Of course the source of ALL wisdom and instruction is God. Proverbs 2:6 "For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding." The Lord has, thankfully, given us many resources for instruction: God - We cannot acquire the simplest skill without Him allowing it. His Word - He reveals his wisdom and shows us how to live. His Son - He came to show us grace and mercy. Parents - Most parents are a child's main source of wisdom. Teachers/ Counselors - People who use the experiences that God had brought them through to help us discern things or make wise choices. If a person is truly wise they will listen and willingly accept instruction, whether it be verbal or physical. Then they will apply it to their lives. Only a fool would refuse Godly counsel and choose to follow his own way. Proverbs 12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." God's child should be appreciative of Godly counsel and instruction. Our responses should be: To accept instruction. To apply instruction A person accepts instruction from God, parents, or wise teachers will reap the benefits of a righteous life. Someone who desires to do right, who desires to receive instruction is definitely going to obtain favour with the Lord and thereby with man. God protects those who willingly submit to His authority and to the authorities placed in their lives. This also brings a person honor. Honor is not something that is just handed out, it is something that is earned. It is a respect that is given to someone as a result of living according to God's Word. So the results are: Spiritual rewards Blessings Honor On the other hand, a fool refuses to heed instruction and is followed by destruction and shame. He truly hates himself. Proverbs 15:32 "He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding." The person that refuses to listen to wise counsel will reap the results of their own foolish choices. (Proverbs 1:24-28) A life lived that way will only lead to spiritual destruction and maybe even physical death. If we will just read God's Word and apply it to our lives we have success in a godly way and live life to the fullest potential that God intended.