Pride and Reproof: the Life Changing Power of a Proverb
There are three passages of scripture that had an immediate and permanent impact on my young, newly saved soul, at age 18.(I will link my blog posts regarding the other two passages at the end of this article). All three forever altered the way I viewed my purpose in life, the way I related to my brothers and sisters in Christ, and they revealed to me the heart-transforming power of God. That is exactly what scripture is supposed to do. It was specifically designed by God to pierce through the lies we have been fed by this godless world all of our lives…to, slay them, and open our hearts to the glorious and eternal truths of the living God, gently conforming us to His likeness, as we slowly and purposefully walk the long and difficult road home.
Nothing communicates the purpose and power of scripture quite like the verse below:
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
Hebrews 4:12-13 KJV
Six months after I got saved (1986), not only from an eternity in hell, but from alcoholism, serious suicidal thoughts, and what appeared to be a dead end life. I moved into a house near Washington DC with a group of 15-20 young men, most of who were from political families, both domestic and international.
The leaders consisted of a handful of mature men of God who’s goal was to turn a bunch of young, rebellious and often affluent punks, into responsible, honorable men who were willing to serve both God and man with our lives. They were sharp, athletic and full of life. In my ignorance and snobbery, I had no idea Christians could actually be fun.
These men taught us to study the Bible and memorize scripture regularly. They also supervised us as we worked on a large manor house at the end of the street. We were given daily chores, and occasionally helped out at political gatherings. It was an exciting place to be in the late 1980’s, with the Cold War quietly raging behind the scenes. However, I was rebellious and immature. I didn’t respect authority or want anyone merely a decade older than me to tell me what to do. I waved off, and even mocked constructive criticism, and led others to cynical, uncooperative attitudes. It was ugly, and so was I.
At the time, I had not taken a moment to consider that, by the mercy of God, I had been delivered from severe childhood abuse, and I had been pulled from the gnawing flames of alcoholism. I had found a wonderful discipleship house, with young guys who had had the same life experiences as me, and leaders who were worthy of great respect. Yet, my rebellious heart persisted….
The day that I got saved was the first day I ever picked up a Bible willingly. I prayed that, if God were real, he would help me to understand scripture and make it more then stories about a bunch of former fisherman running around the desert. I opened it randomly to Psalm 1, and my life was changed forever. (See, Favorite Scripture #2, following this article).
I studied the psalms hungrily because David’s honesty and earnestness with God was a wonderful and unexpected revelation. I had no idea we could talk to God as if He’s actually listening, like a man talks to his father or to a trusted friend. I also began to study Proverbs slowly and methodically, and one day, I stumbled across this sharp two-edged sword, and it slew me on the spot:
“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee…”Rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee….”
Proverbs 9:8 KJV
I was immediately and deeply convicted by this pithy, two-line bolt of spiritual lightning. I knew that, not only was I not a wise man, but even worse, I was both a scorner…and a fool. The Lord had placed wonderful men in my life, men whose only desire was to teach me how to be an authentic and honorable man of God, not only for my sake but also for my future family’s sake. My attitude changed on the spot. All the foolishness and pride of an obnoxious young man who thought he knew everything was washed away.
Through the profundity and power of the word of God, I was finally ready to grow into the man God wanted me to be, and that growth won’t end until I make it home.
EPILOGUE
It’s rarely easy to accept constructive criticism, especially if it involves a behavior pattern we practice regularly without giving it a second thought. My hope is that the Lord will always place men in my life who are more concerned about my character before God then they are about maintaining my approval. There is nothing I respect more then a friend who loves me enough to gently but directly, confront me when I’m not hitting the mark. It may hurt, and I may even reject it initially, but the Holy Spirit will have His way in me. Eventually, I will recognize the truth, seek forgiveness and thank the one who has proven to be the truest and closest of brothers. Let us be authentic, Christ-focused friends to each other, so that we may assist our brothers and sisters as we grow together in the knowledge and grace of God.
“…speaking the truth in love, (that we) may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:”
Ephesians 4:15 KJV
Thy Word Alone is Truth: Examining All Things in the Refining Furnace of Scripture 
You are blessed to have had men in your life to show and tell you what a true Christian man looks and sounds like! I have had some of those kinds of men, too, for most of my Christian life, including now, thankfully.
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Sadly, there are fewer opportunities like that today. The church has fractured into 1000 different heretical pieces and few love the Jesus of the Bible. It’s more fun to make up a Jesus that fits our personality and needs. I’ll take Jesus Christ and him crucified all day long. ✝️⚔️✝️
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