“The way of life” — that’s the phrase that caught my attention this morning. Sounds kind of important. Sounds like something, though perhaps not the only thing, that’s foundational to thriving. While it may not be a heart or a brain, it sounds like, at the very least, it’s gonna be a major artery or a vital organ. That if having a full life is my goal, then being aware of this “way” is going to be pretty important.

For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching a light,
       and the reproofs of discipline are the way of life.

(Proverbs 6:23 ESV)

First thing that hits me about this verse is its similarity to a song of David, a song by Amy, a song I’ve often sung.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
       and a light unto my path.

(Psalm 119:105 KJV)

So, while Solomon may be specifically exhorting his son to to keep his “father’s commandment” and to not forsake his “mother’s teaching” (Prov. 6:20), I’m feeling comfortable extending the application to my Father’s word. It too I’d do well to bind on my heart and tie around my neck, confident that it also will lead me as I walk, guard me while I sleep, and talk with with me when I awake (Prov. 6:21-23). Because His word truly is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

But what about its reproofs of discipline? Do I really think they are the way of life?

Do I value rebuke as I would a major artery? Do I long for the kindness of God calling out my sin (Rom. 2:4b) — whether by His voice directly through His word or indirectly through the “wounds” of a brother or a sister (Prov. 27:6a) — so that I’m lead to repent of my sin and confess my sin and receive the free flow of the blood of Jesus to wash away my sin (1Jn. 1:9)? I know I’m not perfect, but when’s the last time the reproofs of discipline actually specifically called out some imperfection?

If I’m honest, I don’t much like reproof. Don’t much care for rebuke. Just as soon avoid correction. Happy to keep relationships — whether with my God or with my brothers and sisters in Christ — at an arms length and at a surface level so that I don’t have to receive “the gift” of honest input.

But what if the reproofs of discipline really are the way of life? Then wouldn’t I want to be firing on all cylinders? Wouldn’t I embrace a lamp that actually shines a light which exposes the darkness? Wouldn’t I want this vital organ for Christian living welcomely and gratefully and fully functioning? I’m thinkin’ . . .

So, why would I bristle at reproof? Or, when I do accept reproof and concede to rebuke, I often do so begrudgingly? I’m thinking, at the least, it’s a combo of too much pride and too little gospel. Of thinking too much of self, and of not depending enough on the Savior. Of putting my confidence in my grit and not casting myself on His grace. So that, when I do get caught up in sin, my “go to” is to try and cover up my sin.

But if I’m picking up what the Spirit, through Solomon, is laying down, I need to believe the reproofs of discipline really are the way of life and embrace them as the goodness of God. The goodness of the One who has given me life and wants me to have it abundantly (Jn. 10:10).

Reproof. The way of life. Sounds kind of important.

Only by His grace. Welcomed for His glory.