Young People Who Accept Counsel and Discipline Are Wise Proverbs 19:20

Life for young people is a journey of discovery, growth, and countless decisions. In this exciting yet challenging phase, the temptation can be to rely solely on one's own understanding, to dismiss the wisdom of those who have gone before, or to resist correction. However, God's Word offers a profound truth: young people who accept counsel and discipline are truly wise. Today, we'll explore why embracing guidance and correction is not a sign of weakness, but a pathway to genuine wisdom and a blessed life.

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1. Listening to Advice Is the Path to Wisdom (Proverbs 19:20)

"Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be wise."

This proverb lays it out plainly: wisdom isn't a spontaneous gift that simply appears with age. It's acquired by those who actively listen to advice and humbly apply what they learn. For young people, this means valuing the input of parents, mentors, pastors, and older, wiser individuals. Openness to counsel is the very first step on the path to becoming truly wise.

2. Rebellion Closes Doors; Humility Opens Paths (Proverbs 12:15)

"The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice."

The "way of a fool" is characterized by self-sufficiency and a closed mind. Rebellion against guidance doesn't lead to freedom; it closes doors and isolates one from truth and genuine growth. Conversely, a young person who demonstrates humility and listens to advice, even when it's difficult, opens up new paths. What you hear and absorb, you grow in. Rejecting counsel stunts spiritual and personal development.

3. Correction Prevents Large Drops in the Future (Proverbs 19:18)

"Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death."

This verse, though strong, highlights a critical truth: correction does not destroy; it preserves. God, in His love, often uses people and circumstances to shape a young person's character, to steer them away from harmful paths, and to prevent "large drops" or devastating mistakes in the future. Embrace correction as a form of divine care, meant to save you from deeper troubles.

4. Listening to Leaders and Parents Is a Sign of Spiritual Intelligence (Proverbs 1:8)

"Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching."

God has placed counselors all around us – parents, spiritual leaders, teachers, and mature believers. To ignore these voices, especially those of parents, is to disregard God's own provision and care for your life. It's a sign of spiritual intelligence to recognize and value the instruction and teaching that comes from those appointed to guide you. Their experience can save you from unnecessary pain.

5. Accepting Discipline Today Is Reaping Rewards Tomorrow (Proverbs 12:1)

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid."

The proverb makes a blunt statement: loving instruction leads to knowledge, while hating reproof reveals a lack of wisdom. A young person who loves to be molded, to be taught, and to be disciplined is actively preparing themselves for a blessed, productive, and fulfilling life. The short-term discomfort of correction pales in comparison to the long-term rewards of wisdom and righteous living.

6. Pride Is the Greatest Enemy of Wisdom (Proverbs 11:2)

"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, but with humility comes wisdom."

Pride is the ultimate roadblock to receiving counsel and discipline. It whispers, "I know best," or "I don't need anyone's help." But the Bible clearly states that pride leads to dishonor, while humility paves the way for wisdom. Recognizing that you don't know everything, that you have much to learn, is not a weakness but the essential first step toward real growth and true wisdom.

7. God Corrects Those He Loves (Proverbs 3:12)

"because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

Finally, understand that discipline is a profound sign of God's love and care. Just as a loving father corrects his cherished son, God disciplines those He delights in. Wise young people do not reject this discipline as punishment or rejection. Instead, they welcome it with gratitude, understanding that it's a process of refinement by their Heavenly Father who desires their ultimate good and conformity to the image of His Son.

Young People Who Accept Counsel and Discipline Are Wise Proverbs 19:20

Conclusion:

Beloved young people, the path to wisdom, blessing, and an impactful life is clearly marked: it's the path of accepting counsel and discipline. Don't let pride or a desire for instant gratification prevent you from embracing the guidance God has provided.

Choose humility over rebellion.

Embrace correction as preservation.

Listen to the wise voices around you.

Recognize discipline as a sign of God's loving hand.

As you do, you will not only grow in wisdom but also experience the abundant life God has planned for you.

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Young People Who Accept Counsel and Discipline Are Wise Proverbs 19:20