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More Gleanings from Charles Bridges: Proverbs 13:18

Proverbs 13:18 says, “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction:? but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”

“The instruction of discipline is God’s ordinance.? Little do those who refuse it know, what a blessing they cast away! (Hebrews 12:10,11)? Poverty and shame are often the Lord’s rod for his wayward children (Luke 15:12-16); two dreaded evils— the one bringing them to want; the other hiding their heads; both disappointing “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.”? (1 John 2:16)? Young persons! learn to dread the liberty of being left to your own choice.? Dread the first step in the downward course, refusing instruction…Know your besetting temptation, ‘as the horse and the mule’? (Ps. 32:9), impatient of restraint.? If godly remonstrance be slighted, all may end in poverty and shame, embittered with the poignant sting of death-bed remorse. (chap. 5:11)…If we be humbled under his reproof, we shall be raised to his throne. (1Pt. 5:6)? Pleasant indeed are his words to his well-disciplined child.? To have our ears open to receive discipline, is to walk in the path of life and happiness (chap. 6:23.? Job 36:10-12); the honour of conformity to our Divine Saviour.”