Proverbs 19:25-27 (ESV)
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence;
reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother
is a son who brings shame and reproach.
27 Cease to hear instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of knowledge.
These verses begin by contrasting three kinds of people: the scoffer, the simple, and the person of understanding. The scoffer refuses correction, so punishment becomes necessary because words alone no longer reach her heart. The simple person, however, learns by observing the consequences of the scoffer’s foolishness. The person of understanding needs only a simple rebuke. She gladly receives correction and grows in knowledge. The difference between wisdom and folly is often seen in how readily a person responds to correction.
Next comes the tragic outcome of a life devoid of wisdom. A son who mistreats his father and drives away his mother brings shame upon himself and disgrace to his family. Whether through selfishness, laziness, or ungodly living, he abandons the very people who sacrificed to care for him. Instead of honoring his parents, he repays their love with contempt.
Why does such a tragic decline occur? “Cease to hear instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Spiritual drift begins when we stop listening. As we become less teachable and less willing to receive God’s correction, our hearts gradually wander from the wisdom we once embraced.
Ask yourself whether you still welcome correction. Do you listen carefully when God’s Word exposes your sin, or do you quickly defend yourself and move on? Wise women never outgrow their need for instruction because they know that growing in wisdom is a lifelong pursuit.
Where is God asking you to listen today? Perhaps he has been exposing an attitude you continue to excuse, a relationship that needs to be restored, a habit that needs to change, or a step of obedience you keep postponing. Spiritual drift rarely begins with open rebellion. It begins when we quietly postpone what God has already made clear. Listen to him today.