GOD’S WORDS OF INSTRUCTIONS

“He who keeps INSTRUCTION is in the WAY of LIFE, but he who refuses correction goes astray” – Proverbs 10:17

There is guarantee of Life in GOD’S WORDS of INSTRUCTION: “He who keeps INSTRUCTION is in the WAY of LIFE, but he who refuses correction goes astray” (Pro.10:17). Obedience to Divine Instructions can make the difference between life and death! Instructions preserve and secure lives: “Take fast hold of INSTRUCTION; let her not go: keep her; for she is your life” (Pro.4:13). Rebellion against divine instruction is an invitation to destruction: “He shall die without instruction, and…go astray” (Pro.5:23).  At every of life’s junctions, we need God to instruct us on what to do next, where to go, where to turn, who to contact, and what to focus on. The Lord assures: “I WILL INSTRUCT YOU and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you” (Psa. 32:8).

Instructions are vital to life. Instructions secure life and preserve destinies. Instructions constitute highways to distinction in life! As we navigate the wilderness of the world, the Holy Bible – our veritable compendium of divine instructions – should be our life-compass. Ideally, all of life’s decisions – major and minor – should be traceable to specific instructions received from God. Direction and Instructions are primary ‘colours’ in the Spectrum of Wisdom. When a wise man receives Instructions, he gets wiser: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning” (Pro.9:9). The truly wise person never stops receiving and obeying Divine Instructions. He or she is a lifelong Learner!

Vision is vital to life; but it is Instructions that give precision to Vision. Without instructions, vision will be frustrated. God’s simple instructions are the road-maps we need in order to avoid life’s bumps, and enjoy safe and successful ride. Without a road-map, one is set for wandering through life. Divine instructions are the signposts along the journey of destiny. They are the road marks along life’s path, positioned to ensure that we do not miss the way. Instructions are crucial to enjoying a profitable life: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for INSTRUCTION in righteousness” (2Tim.3:16). Trivialising Instructions will culminate in confusion, frustration, and desolation.

Here are some scriptural warnings against despising, hating, or refusing instruction:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and INSTRUCTION” (Pro.1:7).

“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is LIGHT; and reproofs of INSTRUCTION are the way of life” (Pro.6:23).

“HEAR INSTRUCTION and be wise, and do not disdain it. Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.  For whoever finds me finds life, and obtains favor from the Lord; but he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death” (Pro.8:33-36).

“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuses INSTRUCTION; but he who regards reproof shall be honoured” (Pro.13:18).

A child who despises the father’s instructions is a fool: “A fool despises his father’s INSTRUCTION, but he who receives correction is prudent” (Pro.15:5).

“Buy the truth, and sell it not; also Wisdom, and INSTRUCTION, and Understanding” (Pro.23:23).

Noah followed divine instructions to construct the Ark, and preserved his posterity (Gen.6:22). Isaac obeyed divine instruction to sow in Gerar and received stunning results (Gen.26:1-6, 12-14). Naaman alighted from his prideful horse to obey divine Instructions through Elisha and returned cleansed from leprosy (2Kg.5:1-15). The servers at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee obeyed the Lord’s seemingly ridiculous instructions, and water became wine (Jh.2:5). Peter experienced miracles multiple times because he cherished and obeyed divine instructions: to walk on water, to catch a money-vomiting fish, and to let down his net at the command of Jesus (Mt.14:28-29; 17:27; Lk.5:5).

Beloved, what has God instructed or is instructing you to do?

May we never deviate from the paths of Instruction into the ways of desolation or destruction, in Jesus name!