October 12, 2017
SUBMISSION MAY NOT BE FUN, BUT IT BRINGS FREEDOM AND FRUIT
Proverbs 13:1-12
Bethany Moss
Central Truth
God has given us grace and provision by placing people in our lives to give us wise counsel. Take advantage of this blessing as you daily submit to the way of righteousness.
Key Verse | Proverbs 13:10
By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
(Proverbs 13:10)
Proverbs 13:1-12
1
A wise son hears his father's instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
2
From the fruit of his mouth a man eats what is good,
but the desire of the treacherous is for violence.
3
Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;
he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.
4
The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing,
while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.
5
The righteous hates falsehood,
but the wicked brings shame
1
13:5
Or stench
and disgrace.
6
Righteousness guards him whose way is blameless,
but sin overthrows the wicked.
7
One pretends to be rich,
2
13:7
Or One makes himself rich
yet has nothing;
another pretends to be poor,
3
13:7
Or another makes himself poor
yet has great wealth.
8
The ransom of a man's life is his wealth,
but a poor man hears no threat.
9
The light of the righteous rejoices,
but the lamp of the wicked will be put out.
10
By insolence comes nothing but strife,
but with those who take advice is wisdom.
11
Wealth gained hastily
4
13:11
Or by fraud
will dwindle,
but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.
12
Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Dive Deeper | Proverbs 13:1-12
How do you define integrity? My mind immediately goes to character traits such as honest, reliable, trustworthy, and loyal. Merriam-Webster defines integrity as “the quality of being honest and fair.” Today’s passage shows us that integrity involves submission in several areas: We are to submit our harsh speech (verses 2-3), our desire to stay comfortable (verse 4), and ultimately, our sinfulness to the way of righteousness (verse 6).
It's important to notice that our passage begins and ends with instruction to listen to wise counsel (verses 1, 10). Submitting to the counsel of others is not something we usually desire to do. Asking for help can be a vulnerable place for many people. They’re admitting that (1) they don’t know the answer to something, and (2) they can’t figure it out on their own. At some level, it involves laying down one’s pride and receiving what others have to say, whether helpful or hard to hear.
Seeking the counsel of others doesn’t mean we’re needy. Proverbs 13:1 says, “a wise son hears his father’s counsel,” and in verse 10, “but with those who take advice is wisdom.” It is a good thing to seek the counsel of others. Not only is it good, but it is one of the primary ways God speaks to us. Our Christian brothers and sisters are God’s provision for us!
Having community and older mentors in my life has helped challenge and grow my relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t take long for me to realize I can’t walk this road on my own. I need people speaking into my life. Submitting to wise, biblical counsel helps steer us straight on to the path of righteousness.
Some may read these proverbs and conclude, “Good speech + working diligently and honestly + heeding wise counsel = integrity!” That’s easy to say, but in the trenches of everyday life, it’s not that simple. We build our integrity by consistently submitting our whole selves to the Lord, including the people He has graciously placed in our lives.
Discussion Questions
1. In what ways can you practice submission today?
2. In what ways did Jesus Christ model submission? (Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 14:36; Philippians 2:5-9; Hebrews 5:8)
3. How have you submitted to the calling of the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:19-20)