Proverbs 22:15-16 (ESV)
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.
16 Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth,
or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.
We all come into this world as self-centered and foolish creatures.We must be trained to resist our sinful desires and instead make wise decisions. Godly parents will teach their children to do so, employing painful consequences when the child makes dangerous decisions. The Lord will judge those who take from or overwork the poor only to lavish goods upon the rich. Make sure you aren’t favoring the elite while overlooking the less fortunate. Just as loving parents discipline their children, God disciplines his kids. Like the loving parents, God corrects our behavior, often allowing painful consequences for our good, that we would be more like Jesus. Is the Lord correcting you right now? If so, don’t resist his instructive ways, but yield to them so that you might become wise. Instead of running from his correction, turn around and embrace the changes he wants you to make. Don’t delay your own spiritual growth for another day.