Poor Me

(Proverbs 13:18 KJV)  Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.

As a teacher I am repeating the first idea of this verse on a regular basis.  I face a generation that “refuseth” (neglects NASB) (6544a) “instruction” (discipline NASB) (4148).  The modern translation is better here.  The old idea of instruction used to include the concept of aggressive correction and chastening.  Today it needs to be user friendly.  It must be fun.  It must build self esteem.  It is being rejected.

At a meeting last week we were told that we could not fail certain students unless we had filled out the right forms, gone to the right meetings and jumped through all the hoops.  There was nothing in the statement that held the student accountable for anything.  There was no requirement for accepting instruction or having the student embrace any type of discipline.

So?  Poverty happens.  Sometimes it is just a result of conditions that cannot be controlled.  Too often it is a result of refusing to work and strive.  Too often it is because we want it all at no personal cost.  Help someone grow.  Hold them accountable.  It helps to start with ourselves.