Our Rods And Reproofs!
And Pharaoh said to his servants,
“Can we find such a one as this, a
man in whom is the Spirit of God?”
Genesis 41:38
Proverbs offers two paths to wisdom: the rod and reproofs
of life. A rod is used by authorities while reproofs are life’s
way of saying, “Don’t do that again!”
Joseph learned
quickly from life’s
reproofs.
Joseph learned from his youthful errors and committed himself
to the life of submission to God’s will and plan for his life. When
he was young, he acted thoughtlessly for revealing his dreams,
and also his father’s favoritism to his brothers (Genesis 37:3-11).
After being sold as a slave into Egypt, he gained a humility and
seriousness that served him well for the rest of his life. For some,
it takes multiple bouts with a rod and reproof to gain perspective.
For Joseph, it only took this painful lesson on the downfall that
awaits the proud. From then on, his challenges revealed that
his heart was committed to trusting God.
When life brings reproofs, they will reveal who we are at
our core. Embrace them and gain wisdom and maturity.
Reject them and forfeit the lessons they offer.
"The rough hewing of reproof is only
to square us for the heavenly build."
D. L. Moody
