HONOR OR SHAME?

PROVERBS 13:18 NKJ 
18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, 
But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. 

One of the more challenging things in life is to be corrected.  It almost always stings, and depending on how it's delivered, it can cause us to rise up and get defensive.  At least I know that's how it works for me.   

But, when there is godly correction, it can be a benefit to us.  This proverb says if we will respect godly correction, we will be honored.  On the other hand, if we ignore godly correction, poverty and shame are coming our way.  Ouch! 

Notice nothing is said about enjoying correction or that receiving correction is easy.  However, the benefits of respecting correction are big.   

APPLICATION 

This is an area I have observed over the years, especially in my role as a pastor.  One of the most difficult things for me is to watch someone ignore good, godly correction and then see the results.  The results are often not pretty.   

And then I have had the pleasure of working with people who have sought for correction.  These are the people who flourish.  I have seen this over and over.   

Be a person who wants to be corrected.  As you do, honor will come your way because you are making adjustments that put you on right paths.  Being correctable is an outstanding trait we can all develop in.   

PRAYER 

Help me become a person You can easily correct, Lord.  In Your correction, there is protection, direction and honor.