Have you ever taken it lightly when your parents lectured you? Did you consider why they were correcting you? More importantly, did you think about the value of your parents’ instructions to you?

Chances are, you have received instruction from more than just your parents. Coaches, teachers and relatives have likely done so as well. What did you think when this occurred?

King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 8:33, “Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.”

Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, and he was an authority on how to live properly—according to God’s ways. So great was his understanding of life that people journeyed from all over the world to seek his advice.

Consider his words. Why would someone correct you, or to paraphrase Solomon, “instruct” you, about the right way to do something? In the case of your parents, family or friends, it is because they love you. They have concern for you and want you to grow and succeed.

In order to benefit from that care and concern, you should listen to their words of instruction or correction—the expression of their concern for us. Being “wise” and hearing “instruction” is connected to many wonderful rewards! By hearing these words from others, you can show that you are worthy of their respect and trust. This can establish strong, productive and rewarding relationships that will benefit you and be a source of happiness for you and your loved ones.

Instruction can also allow you to build character. Without a doubt, there will be times when you will make mistakes or perhaps forget what parents, coaches or teachers have tried to show you. But if you choose to make the effort and accept responsibility for your actions, you have the opportunity to restore their trust and respect in you.

Building character is vital to obtaining the awesome human potential. As a young man or woman, the opportunities to grow are limitless. As you grow, you will learn the importance of respect and character. And if you can see how being “wise” and listening to “instruction” are connected to the two, you may consider yourself blessed!

It is well known that Solomon’s father, King David, taught him much. It is also likely that he had many teachers, advisors and friends, just as you do. The Bible shows that he listened when they provided him good counsel. Because of this, it also shows us that God made him a man world-renowned for his wisdom.

Given the same opportunities, will you be like Solomon?