stephen R Harrison

Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge. – Proverbs 19:27

One quality in which I’ve struggled to grow is listening. I have always had a hard time concentrating when someone else is talking. In class and conversation, my mind tends to wander. To comprehend what’s being said, I use every trick possible to focus and understand. Taking notes helps me pay attention. So does repeating back what someone has said. I also try blocking distractions by sitting closer to the front and looking at the speaker. Not listening well with the desire to improve is the opposite of what Solomon wrote about in Proverbs 19. The “mocker” in verses 25-29 is the person who refuses to listen, learn, or receive wise counsel. The Proverbs 19 man must not mock wisdom – he must listen to it and live by it.

When correcting me one time, my dad said, “I think you heard me. You’re just not listening.” He was right. I forget what that situation was, but there were many times I didn’t want to listen to his advice. In Proverbs 19:25, the mocker, it seems, is beyond learning. In reality, he has avoided and disregarded (probably more like rebelled) so often that he seems set in his ways. Not even a beating will persuade him. Now he’s become a shameful son (26) that ruins the family’s house (19:13). Solomon. Solomon’s point is that disregard for wise counsel is like a son who completely ignores his parents and tries to kick them out of the house. The disobedient son is the one breaking up the family. Men, when we fail to heed warnings and counsel from spiritual fathers (and even our parents), we do more damage than we think. We are stiff-arming the family of God as they bring us the Word’s wisdom. We are saying we know better than God. Men, we must listen to the Spirit and Word as they are often presented through a trusted counselor!

When we “stop listening to instruction” (27a), Solomon is right that we “stray from the words of knowledge (27b)”. If we foolishly believe we are passing up the trusted adviser, we must wake up and realize we are passing on the Scripture they are giving us. Passing up Scripture is passing up God! I remember my student pastor telling me when I was about thirteen that bad company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33). He said it almost every time we had a student meeting. I recall rolling my eyes a couple of times. Then, when I got in trouble at school with some kids who were up to no good, it was like that verse instantly came to mind in the principal’s office. That was the Holy Spirit bringing the Scripture to my memory. I knew it was the truth when my student pastor said it. I didn’t want to listen to it. I was the mocker who “gulped down evil” (28). There was a “penalty” in store for me (29) that I could have avoided if I had only listened and heeded his wise counsel.  

Men, we must not be hard-headed when listening to counsel, especially when it is based on God’s Word. If we deliberately ignore and disobey a direct Scripture, it reveals we have become mockers of God’s Word. We can be sure we will pay a hefty price if we don’t listen to God and His Word. Proverbs 19 men are teachable, quick to listen, humble, and eager to learn from God. They desire truth, not just their selfish ways. They know they aren’t always right and admit they need the voice of truth, God’s Word, Spirit, and trusted counselors in their lives. To be godly men, we must humble ourselves and seek wise counsel when we hit a wall. When we struggle in any area of our lives (marriage, business, relationships, etc.), we must ask for godly help.

Questions to Ponder

1. Do you struggle with listening to wise counsel? Why or why not?
2. Do you recall a time you did not listen to wise counsel? What was the result?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. By now, you should have approached another godly man about being a spiritual father/mentor. Text him now and ask to meet next week. Write down something you are going to ask him about.
2. As you read Proverbs 19, what verses, phrases, or words impact you?

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 4:20, 10:17, 11:14, 12:15, 18:2, 18:13

Prayers to Pray

Holy Spirit, help me listen to your counsel. Thank you for being my helper and advocate. Your inspired Word is needed in every area of my life. Thank you for placing wise biblical counselors in my life. Help me humble myself and ask for spiritual help when in trouble or at a crossroads. I do not want to mock your Word. I desire to receive your truth in every area of my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.