Proverbs 13:18, No Honour But Goodness!

July 16, Proverbs 13:18

Heb. 12;1-13; 1 Pet. 5:1-11 “He that doth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 Jn. 2:17).

No Honour But Goodness!

Here two great evils, poverty and shame are now set before us. The first brings want, the second means having to hang our heads. There is a type of poverty born of necessity that is no cause for shame. There is a poverty from sacrificial giving that is a virtue. The poverty referred to here has its roots in stubborn pride that results from refusing criticism. Honest criticism may be a bitter pill to swallow, and most tonics are unpleasant, but we are usually the better for taking them.

1. Refusing Direction: Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses instruction (18a). This is a familiar theme. It emphasises that Old Testament people didn’t find taking advice any easier than we do today. They, and we, are too proud! We both refuse direction because we think it reflects on our ability or our self-proclaimed autonomy. We take offence, and would rather live and die in disgrace, despised by all, than change our ways. We are like the horse and mule which have no understanding (Ps. 32:9). This can only bring both poverty and shame. Poverty from want of material things brings many hardships, but poverty of soul is the greatest tragedy of all. The root meaning of the word to refuse is to be empty, vacant, unoccupied, to remove all restraint and hence to cause neglect. This is what makes it shameful. Let all dread, but specially the young, “The liberty of being left to our own choice.” Yet, is not this precisely where so many of our young people find themselves today? Many parents are either too indifferent or reluctant, or simply too afraid to set any restrictions on what their teenagers do or where they go or with whom. Would not a timely “bitter pill” be better than a life of shame?

2. Respecting Deliberation: He that regards reproof shall be honoured (18b). It takes humility to accept instruction and correction, but those who do find honour in contrast to shame. The only dishonour here is in needing reproof, but refusing it. Such as are willing to mend their ways gain respect and avoid many unnecessary pitfalls. These are they who have: a. Soul-worth, for there is an approving conscience. b. Social-worth, for they are honoured by all about them. c. God-worth, for Heaven smiles upon honest seekers. To receive discipline is to find oneself on the path of true life and happiness. A man called on his bishop and criticised him quite sternly. Rather than showing him the door, the bishop calmly replied: “My dear friend, I do not wonder that they who witness the inconsistencies in my daily conduct should think that I have no religion. I often fear this myself. and I feel very grateful to you for giving me this warning.” This reply, made with such unaffected meekness and sincerity, caused the visitor at once to beg the bishop’s pardon, and always regarded him afterwards as the most Christ-like Christian he had ever known. “The lowliest Christian is the holiest Christian.”

Thought: “The easiest way to dignity is humility” (Anon.).

Prayer: “Lord, let me correct but never justify my faults” (Bishop Griswold).