“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life”. (Proverbs 6:23)

Our bible study group started reading one Proverb per day starting February 1. I’ve always liked the book of Proverbs but if I am honest, I’ve not always understood its teachings. This book of the Bible (for me) takes focus and deep meditation in order to be understood. And I don’t always allow myself to do that. But it is written this way for a purpose.

Right off the bat, Solomon makes it clear, repeatedly, the reason and value of wisdom. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fool despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7). He continues throughout, stating “if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.” (2:4-5). He talks about how it will guard your paths and watch over you, delivering you from evil (2:12). “She is more precious than jewels and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (3:15).

Since I was little, I’ve always wanted to be wise. Who wouldn’t? Wise people are looked up to and envied by others. As I’ve gotten older, my desire remains but my reason has changed. Now, I want to be wise in the ways of the Lord, understanding Him so that I can live my life the way He always intended. I want to experience the joy wisdom brings.

One of my downfalls in achieving this is my inability to take discipline. I really do not like when people tell me what to do. Like I hate it. It makes me cringe, causes this swirling of anger in my heart, and makes me rebel. Even to this day when someone tells me what to do, I purposely do what they told me not to just in spite. Yet this is evil at work in me and I know it. This is my thorn.

This verse reminds me that my reaction is sinful, but more so it is keeping me from going the way I should and learning wisdom. “For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light…”. God’s word and ways are my light, brightening the path He wants me to take. “…the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.” Reproof means criticism for a fault. Someone correcting me or “telling me what to do” isn’t out of spite- it’s the Lord putting them there to help direct me on the right path.

I am learning this the hard way with my husband. He loves me and has no ill intention toward me. He only wants to help me and make me better. So when he tells me to stop biting my nails, he’s doing it for my own good. This verse is teaching me to submit to correction. To have humility and humbly walk in the ways my husband is instructing, because he loves me and wants what is best for me- just like my Father in heaven.