Proverbs 13:1 Growing up takes time
A wise son accepts his father’s discipline, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. Proverbs 13:1 NASB
Even at 59, I must hear my Father’s voice. Age is no factor. It’s possibly more true now than when I was young. As a boy, I knew I didn’t know. As I gain knowledge, exposure, experience, and wisdom, there is a tendency to feel like I know something. I do, but not enough to avoid correction. My Heavenly Father is a lifelong companion, always with me. If humility and receptivity were important when I was young, how much more today — when I know a few things. The self confidence that sprouts hubris, is a lie. There isn’t a moment I don’t need my good, good Dad’s input.
Even as I write this, I think of the affection, attention to detail, intent that God has for me and wonder, how could He love and know all of His children? I don’t understand this, but must assume He not only can know me and every son perfectly. If He has encouraged us to multiply and fill the earth, He must also have capacity to thrive in it. There is something magical or miraculous in a single body — the freshly born human. The biology. The emotions. The spirit. Eternity in his soul. Yet what is more incredible is the interrelationships, dependency, the ecosystem of humanity — in which my Father dwells — and invite me to do the same. He loves our interconnectedness. In it there is the potential for great hurt, yes, but also great good and multiplication. A man alone is a wonder, but add woman to the mix and boom! Kids. Love. Irrational affections. Now imagine families, people groups (or tribes), and nations gathered before his throne with the Lamb in the middle. I don’t fully understand the implication. But if a three-fold chord is not easily broken, the body of Christ is impenetrable.
I need Him. I need those He puts in my life. I need my parents. Kids. Family. Neighbors and friends. And I accept their feedback. And I must hear it.
A scoffer on the other hand is a different story. The word means “to interpret” with the result of one playing with the sounds of those he’s interpreting and mocking the speaking of another language. It’s like a child who hears a teacher say something, then when she is turned away, he mouths the very words the teacher just spoke in a show of disdain. Everything originates from self. But this mocker won’t last long. If he wants to be successful at something but is going about it all wrong, or in a way that will ensure his failure, why wouldn’t he want to correct his course? This is why professional athletes have coaches, and writers have editors, and basketball hoops have nets — aids to help improve. Again, pride is the enemy. Listening presumes I have something to change and I would prefer a deluded view of myself — a view that says I am perfect. Yes, I am, but only by faith… my perfections must be worked out.
As much as I’d like to think I’m a wise son, I know I have a little scoffer inside me as well. Oh to let the proud old man die and let the little child, unnerved with the growth process, play and bounce about this planet. Regardless of my age, while I have breath, there is something to learn and a heart that may be realigned in a more fruitful way.