Warning labels

Reproofs of instruction are the way of life. — Proverbs 6:23

Warning labels are everywhere today — from new appliances to toys. Even medications include pages of small print about all that could possibly go wrong.

God’s Word is filled with warning labels, alerting us to things that are harmful to our spiritual health. When we read, “These six things the LORD hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him” (Prov. 6:16), it grabs our attention like a flashing warning signal. The list that follows (vv.17-19) warns against destructive tendencies like pride and dishonesty — sins that damage earthly relationships and grieve our heavenly Father. The text further states that “reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (v.23). In other words, God’s warnings aren’t meant to take the fun out of life, but rather to protect and preserve life.

I’ll always remember as a child standing with my friend Bobby outside after church and watching him suddenly run toward the busy street. I heard his mother yell, “Stop!” It was a warning to protect him, not to hinder his freedom.

Too often we’ve ignored God’s warnings to stop running in the wrong direction and suffered the consequences. Let’s remember that there’s freedom in heeding His warnings. They’re for our good.                                    — Joe Stowell

Lord, thank You for the warnings

in Your Word that are intended

to protect and preserve my life.

Help me to heed Your reproofs

and instruction that I may live a life that is pleasing to You.

READ: Proverbs 6:16-22

God’s Word is full of loving

warnings to protect and preserve us.

The Bible in one year:

• Acts 27-28