This is one of the secrets of the wise

Take hold of instruction; do not let go. Guard her, for she is your life. (Prov. 4:13 NAS)

Instructions in life are critical. They are the “GPS of life” to guide us towards success, and keep us away from failure and tragedy. We are all strangers on the earth, trying to figure out what works and what does not. Unfortunately, some only discover what works at the end of their lives. You should not allow your wisdom to only come with age, when you no longer have the time to correct certain mistakes you made. This is where instruction in life comes in. You do not have to learn everything by experience. Wisdom listens and learns, while foolishness waits to be struck by an experience before it really learns the lesson.

The scripture above teaches us that we should hold firmly to instruction in life. God’s Word is the primary instruction for our lives. It does not only teach you what to do, or tell you about God’s love for you. It also admonishes you when you go wrong, and corrects your steps. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness (2 Tim. 3:16 NAS). This is different from what current culture is enforcing- it seeks to cause men and women to be the center of their lives, to choose what is right or wrong or tell them “whatever they are doing is OK”. Not everything we do “is OK”. “Wisdom is vindicated by her deeds” (Matt. 11:19). Wrong decisions and choices will always come back at us. It is that part of life beyond our control. We can choose what we want, but we will not have the liberty and privilege to choose the consequences that come with those choices. Instruction in life is purposed to keep us on the right path, and away from the path that will hurt us.

Take hold of instruction. It might have been a marital instruction from your parents. Maybe a godly advice from a brother or sister in the Lord, or maybe from your pastor, about a course of life or decision you are about to make. God will save you from trouble by instructing you, so pay attention to instruction.

MEDITATE

Ponder and mutter on the scripture above. Do you have an ear that hears? Are you open to the instruction in the Word? Are you open to godly advice?

PRAY

Ask God to help you develop a habit of cherishing and holding firm to instruction.

ACT NOW

Developing a habit that listens to instruction is key, not only to your spiritual life, but to your job, finances, and relationships. There are many hurts and heartaches we are facing now, and our hearts may be crying inside “if only we had listened then”. Take an action today. Learn to allow your life to be guided by the Word of God every day- that is wisdom. Learn to keep an open ear for instruction, because God will not only directly use His Word and Spirit but will work through other believers to guide you in certain things. Learn to listen, test the instruction to ensure it is in line with the Word , and if godly, hold firm to it.

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