October 30, 2025

LISTEN, REVERE AND HUMBLE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. Fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.”

Proverbs 15:31–33 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

This is a roadmap to live a wise, productive, and God-honoring life. It’s not complicated—but it does require teachability, reverence, and humility.

Here are four keys to walking that path:

1. Listen to Constructive Criticism

It’s not always easy to hear the truth about ourselves, even when it’s said in love. Yet, people who speak truth into our lives are some of God’s greatest gifts.

Most of us prefer friends who encourage and affirm us—but real love also tells the truth when it’s needed.

I remember coming home one day from the office, and my wife noticed I had a piece of lettuce stuck in my front tooth. She asked when I’d eaten and who I’d been with—and was surprised no one cared enough to tell me!

That’s a picture of life: we all need people close enough to lovingly tell us when something’s “stuck in our teeth.” If you don’t have anyone who can correct you, you’re missing one of God’s main ways to help you grow.

Be wise enough to listen when others speak truth to you—it makes you stronger and more mature.

2. Accept Discipline

Discipline is not punishment—it’s preparation. It shapes our character, strengthens our resolve, and helps us avoid repeating the same mistakes.

As parents, we discipline our children not because we’re angry, but because we love them. The same principle applies to our relationship with God. When we do wrong, we must accept the consequences and learn from them.

Blaming others for our mistakes only keeps us stuck. Growth happens when we own our actions and allow God to use discipline to teach us.

3. Fear God

“The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom.”

This isn’t about being afraid of God—it’s about revering Him. It’s recognizing His authority and submitting to His Word, even when it challenges us.

Fearing God means we don’t treat His commands casually or pick and choose what we’ll obey. We acknowledge that He alone is Sovereign, and we live in awe of His holiness and wisdom.

A healthy fear of the Lord keeps our hearts aligned with His truth.

4. Be Humble

“Humility precedes honor.”

God resists the proud but pours out grace on the humble. Humility doesn’t mean thinking less of yourself—it means thinking of yourself less.

When we humble ourselves before God, we position ourselves to receive His favor. But when we act in pride, we block the very blessings He wants to give us.

Humility opens the door to honor.

Reflection

Which of these four areas—listening, accepting discipline, fearing God, or humility—is the hardest for you right now?

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He wants to help you grow. Every step toward wisdom begins with a heart that’s willing to learn.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to examine my life honestly. Show me where I need to grow and change. Teach me to listen to correction, to accept discipline, to walk in reverence toward You, and to live with humility. Shape me into the person You created me to be. Amen.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”