The elderly often say, “The child who does not listen to their mother will end up in the snake’s mouth,” just like a song from a long time ago that is still repeated today when people are stubborn.
Not only that, but the Bible, which is the word of God, speaks very clearly about this. For example, the word of God says: “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20).
There are many Proverbs and words of correction and instruction in the Bible to prevent people from taking the wrong path. Be it children, youth, or adults—if they are incorrigible and refuse to listen to instruction, they will find themselves involved in things that bring pain to themselves and their families.
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1).
How often do we hear these expressions: “Don’t tell me anything, I know what I’m doing,” or “It’s my money, I worked for it, let me spend it however I want, don’t say anything,” or “I don’t care, I am going wherever I want.” Or even worse, people who are wrong use the word of God to defend themselves, saying: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,” or to continue in their rogue behavior, they say, “Nobody is perfect,” and they keep drinking, doing drugs, committing adultery, using foul language, and doing many more negative things.
Meanwhile, Jesus says in Matthew 5:48: “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
And Paul says in Philippians 3:15: “Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you. However, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.”
Romans 6:13-14 states: “And do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. For sin shall not be master over you, for you are not under law but under grace.”
A person who dresses indecently with the intention of being sexy not only brings temptation to others who look at them, but also degrades the body, which is the temple of God where the Spirit of God dwells, and uses their body parts for unrighteousness.
Nowadays, it is not the time to hide anything but to lead people directly to the truth, because the truth sets people free.
“The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.” (Proverbs 15:33).
“He who neglects discipline despises himself, but he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.” (Proverbs 15:32).
“Poverty and shame will come to him who neglects discipline, but he who regards reproof will be honored.” (Proverbs 13:18).
“My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord or loathe His reproof, for whom the Lord loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11-12).
We are living in perilous times, where many people mistake bad for good and good for bad, where the wicked are applauded and those who do good must remain silent.
It is time to open our eyes and draw closer to the Lord.