Proverbs 13:18

Proverbs 13:18-25

18 Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Explain the importance of being open to instruction

Refusing Instruction: Poverty and Shame

A. Discuss the consequences of rejecting instruction

Poverty: Not being able to provide for yourself or family

Shame: a feeling of guilt, humiliation, or embarrassment that arises from a sense of inadequacy, unworthiness, or disgrace.

B. Explain how refusing instruction can lead to negative outcomes

God gives us instruction through several sources:

Parents: Children Obey your parents (ILL: Bro. Bruce Scripture song)

Bible: 2 Tim 3:16 “16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”

C. Use examples to illustrate the point:

Friend growing up spent a lot of time with: (Josh Gallegos):

He was one of my closest friends. He was always happy, joyful. Seemed to have a real passion for the Lord.

Rough home life but his grandparents brought him to church and enrolled him into our Christian school.

He was taught the same doctrine I was.

He was given instruction!

He was taught to stay away from alcohol, to avoid bad friends, to never take drugs.

For many years he did.

But then he started....

started getting around the wrong friends

peer pressure from his friends led to alcohol, drugs, criminal activity, thefts, etc...

Led to a hard life.

Destroyed his life.

About 5 years ago I saw him while visiting Durango....no joy, no happiness

And then one day not too long after I saw him, he was high on drugs and had an argument with his brother.

The argument escalated so dramatically that my old friend that I grew up with, pulled out a gun, pointed it at his brother, and shot him dead.

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:

He will spend most of his life, possibly all his life in prison: shame

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:

He will never own a house, have to eat the food they give him: Poverty

Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:

Application

This is a warning to each of us.

Let us not refuse instruction.

A wise man heeds instruction.

Look at Proverbs 13:1 “1 A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: But a scorner heareth not rebuke.”

Kids, listen to instruction. Obey your parents

Ladies and gentleman, listen to instruction. Heed the Word of God

Regard for Reproof: Honored

But he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

Reproof is being corrected for wrong-doing

When you regard reproof, you will be honored.

When you realize you have made a mistake, and correct that mistake, God says you will be honored.

The choice is yours: Poverty and Shame.....or Honor

Which will you choose?