“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25:12)
We have all been on the receiving end of misguided reproof. The counsel of many comes from their own minds and not from the Spirit of God. They have their own agenda and would manipulate us to do as they wish. To obey God we at times must displease man.
But then there are those times when God raises up a Nathan with a wise reproof. The finger of God is pointed at us: “Thou art the man.” (2 Sam. 12:7) Will we in such a moment hate both reproof and reprover? Will we scorn the rightness of their words? “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.” (Proverbs 15:12) As painful as it was for David to see such an ugly side of himself in God’s mirror, he was humble enough to do so. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD.” (2 Sam. 12:13)
To prosper is to advance. We cannot spiritually prosper unless we are willing to acknowledge where we need to change. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Don’t blame Bathsheba for bathing on the roof. Don’t blame Uriah for not going home to his wife. No, David, you are responsible for your actions. And when the man of God took full responsibility, he was forgiven, recovered himself, and moved forward.
A disobedient ear is sometimes warranted; but not when God sends a Nathan your way. Never despise a wise reprover. Bless the rod God would raise up to get you back on track.