Proverbs 10:17 Discipline, Influence and Destiny_
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. Proverbs 10:17 NIV
The Amplified Bible says, “He who learns from instruction and correction is on the [right] path of life [and for others his example is a path toward wisdom and blessing], But he who ignores and refuses correction goes off course [and for others his example is a path toward sin and ruin].”
There’s nothing glamorous about discipline and correction. Each one of us has the privilege of receiving feedback. Yet, it is not fun, especially when it comes with consequences. Pruning a vine or guiding it’s growth seems restrictive compared to the freedom of a plant in the wild. Yet the Father’s intent is to show his kids the path of life, where there is safety, freedom, and great fruitfulness compared to that which a wild child could never know. Our desire to do things our own way runs deep. And we are emboldened to step outside the boundaries as we recognize our own uniqueness and originality. Creativity and expression are valuable but must be pursued in the context of certain limits when our efforts affect others. There’s nothing good about dishonesty, disrespect, self-serving me-centered attitudes. These things are not essential to “freedom.”
Hand in glove with a correction is influence or how we respond to it, and the affect of our response on others. Whether or not I want to be influential, my response to confrontation and correction is something that others may observe. How embarrassing this could be! My life, whether I want it to be or not, is an example. Yet, when I humble myself and respond to correction, I embody a meal for you to enjoy. Food. A map. Sustenance which points the way to life.
At the heart of this proverb is “destination” or where our path leads. It’s not always easy to project our future based on our present actions. That’s the value of hearing from those that have traveled before us and share their experiences. A parent has a perspective on playing on a busy street that a child may not understand when there’s a ball, friends, and no car in sight.
Although discipline is not fun, it means there is someone in our life that cares enough about me to correct. Paul writes in Hebrews 12:8 that if there is no correction, we are bastards, not sons. How incredible is it that we are being looked after and loved as we are?!