Proverbs Chapter 15 has a reoccurring theme on the words of our mouth, discipline, and attitude. We only need look in the mirror or talk to a 14 yr old (as I did last night) to know that is the words of our mouth, attitude, and discipline can be an ongoing struggle. My granddaughter has a driving need to get in the last word regardless of the consequences that might bring. 15:2 The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spout folly. Her attitude is based neither on logic nor wisdom but on the prevailing mindset of the moment. 15:15 All the days of the afflicted are bad, But a cheerful heart has a continual feast. At 14, discipline is considered an unnecessary four-letter word heaped upon her without justification, of course! 15:32 He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding.
This behavior is not reserved for those in the prime of teen years. You can find it everywhere. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph, you can find it in the mirror. It's amazing how we are quick to notice the ill-said word or comment, negative attitude, and lackadaisical self-discipline of others…yet hear or see them not in ourselves. We see distortion in godly ways of others but our self-perception doesn't allow a true reflection in viewing what we do or say. Somehow, we manage to slough off our own. This, Friends, makes it vital we have an accountability partner that loves us enough to tell us straight up when we're thinking, talking, or acting in ways unbecoming to a godly man or woman. No one is exempt - we all stumble and fall.
I am blessed to have three such friends that love me (warts and all) enough to be completely honest with me. They will let me vent, cry or act as unbecomingly as I can, then tell me lovingly where I am off track. I can call them and ask for prayer, an opinion, a shoulder to cry on or celebrate a victory with me. Anyone can tell you what you want to hear, it takes an accountability partner to tell you what you don't. 15:22 Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed. 15:23 A man has joy in an apt answer, And how delightful is a timely word!
Here's the kicker though, you have to be open to hearing what an accountability partner says to you. If you cannot or will not hear anything that bares your insecurities, imperfections, or sins, how can you be receptive? 15:12 A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, He will not go to the wise. John Hagee referred to those who reject someone's opinion if different from their own as an "Emotional Hitler" because they blow up and try to intimidate anyone voicing something they do not want to here. 15:18 A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, But the slow to anger pacifies contention. We tend to forget God sees our hearts and knows our motivations. The filters we view ourselves through do not blind Him. 15:3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, Watching the evil and the good.
Accountability Partner Qualifications: Mature in the Lord - you don't need the blind leading the blind. 15:14 The mind of the intelligent seeks knowledge, But the mouth of fools feeds on folly. Willing to tell you the truth even when it's not pretty – 15:10 Stern discipline is for him who forsakes the way; He who hates reproof will die. 15:31 He whose ear listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.
We all have times when we revert to an attitude of a 14 year old, thinking live is unfair, and nothing short of what we want will suffice. Until the day we shed the earth-suit we inhabit, we will have times we stumble and fall. It's great to have someone around to lend a helping hand to get us back on our spiritual feet, this is the role of an accountability partner. I love mine. They are friends with spiritual backbone. Pride has no place in the life of a godly man or woman. 15:33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom, and before honor comes humility.
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