Proverbs 10

I stopped to think upon verse 17, He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. As has been often in Proverbs, “instruction” has to do with disciplinary instruction meaning correction, chastisement. He who desires instruction in theory only, without its corrective force, is not in the way of life, but is deceived. The way of life is that which teaches one with a discipline that corrects the faults of his life. So many reject all such instruction simply because they have no desire to be corrected. They will not be taught their duty because it discovers their faults to them. To ‘keep disciplinary instruction’ is to admit it willingly into the ears, weigh it well in the heart, and show approval of it by obedience. One’s refusal to be corrected often affects others as well—family, friends, acquaintances, etc. Just as no one lives unto himself, so no one sins unto himself.