As far as Old Testament words go, it’s not all that common. As far as wisdom goes, I’m thinking it’s kind of a big deal.

A fool despises his father’s instruction,
       but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.

There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way;
       whoever hates reproof will die.

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof
       will dwell among the wise.

Whoever ignores instruction despises himself,
       but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.

(Proverbs 15:5, 10, 31, 32 ESV)

Reproof . . . that’s the word served up this morning.

The Hebrew word translated “reproof” occurs 28 times in the Old Testament. Of those 28 occurrences, the ESV renders the word as “reproof” 15 times. The next most common rendering? Rebuke. Of the 15 “reproofs” in the ESV OT, 13 are found in Proverbs. Of those 13, 4 are found here in Proverbs 15.

Naturally speaking, reproof probably landed on my plate because of its repetition. Supernaturally speaking? I’ve got to believe it’s the Spirit. Repetition is the Spirit wanting to make a point. Picking up on that repetition is the Spirit wanting to make the point to me. Word of God speak, I’m all ears.

Also naturally speaking, you’re not going to find “reproof” on my list of favorite words — no matter how long that list is. You won’t find “rebuke” either. How come? Because I’m still fighting the flesh, because pride is something that is never far from rearing its head, receiving correction so often rubs like coarse sandpaper. And I’m not much of a fan of coarse sandpaper.

But if I have ears to hear what the Spirit has to say this morning, though it might not be a favorite word, it should be a valued dynamic in my life.

If I want to be characterized as prudent, marked by good sense — and I do; if I want to dwell among the wise, being at home with those who are skilled in navigating life — and I do; if I want to be marked as someone who gains intelligence, whose heart, soul, and mind are constantly being wired so that every inclination is a godly inclination — and I do; then having an ear ready to listen to reproof is not only the right thing to do, it’s a beneficial thing to do. It’s a life-giving thing to do. (Hating reproof? Well, the Teacher is clear that hating reproof just isn’t going to end well.)

As I chew on reproof this morning, I know I need to make preparation to listen to reproof. (Did I mention it doesn’t come naturally?) I also know I can’t do that prep work on my own. While I can purpose to put down pride and seek to humble myself, it is the Spirit’s work in me that will ultimately enable me to embrace reproof as, in fact, life-giving and to believe that reproof really is an integral means of growing in wisdom.

Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.

By Your grace. For Your glory.