Reproof is meant to correct our sinful thinking or behavior. Many times, people decide that they will stubbornly resist correction, and continue to live their lives according to their own desires. The wisdom we gain today is that stubbornness against correction, will eventually lead to destructive consequences that cannot be corrected. It is easy to believe that we will continue to escape the major consequences of sin, if our view of God’s mercy gives us a complacent attitude toward sin. However, when we see mercy for what it is, we realize that reproof is God’s way of getting our attention that we might not live a self-destructive life. According to this passage and Proverbs 1:24-31; there comes a time when God gives us over to our stubbornness, and we must endure the consequences that accompany our choices. The question you are left with today is, Do you believe God? If you do, your response will be more than a guilty feeling; it will be Spirit filled action.