Proverbs 15:30-33

Proverbs 15 concludes with some very positive affirming maxims.

15:30: The light of the eyes rejoices the heart,
and good news refreshes the body.

15:31: The ear that heeds wholesome admonition
will lodge among the wise.

15:32: Those who ignore instruction despise themselves,
but those who heed admonition gain understanding.

15:33: The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom,
and humility goes before honor.

Very uplifting, encouraging assurances arise from these verses.
1. As a messenger arrives with good news from far away with a sparkle in his eye, he encourages the recipient of the good news by his pleasant smile as well as by the message itself. In a world where "bad news" fills newspapers and magazines, such a reminder is very uplifting.
2. All of us make poor decisions and speak or do bad things, and thus we need admonitions from loving friends and associates. The important thing is how we respond to admonition. If we accept admonition as an attempt to improve us, we will become better people. If we despise admonition from those who love us and want to help us improve, we are hurting ourselves.
3. Holding God in the highest respect [fearing God] is the first principle in living the godly life. He is God, and we are mere human beings. Our proper stance before him is "humility." From that vantage point, and from that vantage point alone, can we truly honor him and serve others.

John Willis