Meditationen am Gnadenstuhl: Advice to a Wise Son 1c - Proverbs 15:30-33

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Proverbs 15:30–33

[30] The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,

and good news refreshes the bones.

[31] The ear that listens to life-giving reproof

will dwell among the wise.

[32] Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,

but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

[33] The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,

and humility comes before honor. (ESV)

Advice to a Wise Son 1c

v.30 Compare this verse with Proverbs 15:13-15. This verse illustrates how messages sent from other people can change one's outlook on life. Both of the illustrations used here are good news and used to encourage such communications! The message can cause as simple a reaction as putting a twinkle in one's eyes or so moving that it is felt deep in the bones. Good news is used in the general sense, although it is understood that the Gospel is the best news to share of all (Isaiah 40:9; 52:7; 61:1; Luke 2:10; 4:18, 43).

v.31 This proverb instructs that those who listen to serious warnings will not only save lives but will commend those listeners as Wise people who will be welcomed in the company of other Wise persons. Again, this proverb speaks in the general sense but especially applies to those who listen to the warnings of God's Law and are driven by repentance to the Gospel. In turn, he lives among others who have heeded Divine Wisdom (Acts 2:37-47; 16:31).

v.32 Continuing the theme of listening to a warning, this verse teaches that the one who listens to warnings acquires Wisdom. Compare this to the person who ignores or even scoffs discipline, which is intended for his own welfare—that person despises himself and does not discern that which is for his own good. Such behavior is self-destructive, showing contempt for himself, God's Word, and his neighbor. He may not even realize he has such contempt (Acts 13:27; Romans 10:3; 2 Peter 2:12; 3:16). This may cause emotional, physical, and intellectual harm.

v.33 This verse precisely describes the discipline which leads to Wisdom. It is "the fear of the Lord." Fear of the Lord is a positive child-parent relationship with the Father by faith in His Son. This discipline is formed by the Word, our guide for a life of faith on the path that leads to eternal life. The fear of the Lord is also the humble and contrite confession of one's sin and the reception of forgiveness by grace. The Christian knows no one has the right to stand before God or to call himself a son of God. This humility precedes the honor God will bestow on His people (Romans 8:30), both now and in the life of the world to come.