Instruction

“to know wisdom and instruction, to discern the sayings of understanding.”  Proverbs 1:2

Instruction – Oh, my!  This word (musar) is so completely different than what we usually think.  When we hear the word “instruction”, we probably imagine a classroom and a teacher.  We think about books and homework, tests and quizzes.  But those images keep us bound to the idea that education is about gaining knowledge.  That is the Greek image that stands behind our current culture.  It’s part of the Hebrew view of instruction, but only part!

Musar is a word that also means “chastisement” or “correction”.  It’s not about the books in the classroom.  It’s about the paddle in the corner.  Here instruction implies correction for breaking one of the moral laws.  This is instruction through punishment.

The fact that we overlook this (or even avoid it) stems from the view that wisdom is about knowledge.  Once we see that wisdom is about obedience, it makes perfect sense that instruction is about correction.  Those who stray from obedience are brought back into line through punishment.  We use this principle with our children.  God uses the same principle with His children.

I often complain about God’s view of instruction, just like my children complain when they are punished.  But as a parent, I know that my punishment serves to develop my children, to make them people of good character.  God wants the same thing for all His children.  He punishes us not because He wants revenge or is trying to get even.  He uses punishment as a way to shape character.  His goal is a much better “me”.

When God puts His finger on your life and you feel His chastisement, do you thank Him for caring so much about you that He is willing to choose just the right correction to develop your character?  Or do you whine and complain like the disobedient child who believes that the only sin is being caught?  God will not tolerate fools and fools are those who will not tolerate correction.