The death of someone is a sorrowful event, but much more so for those who do not know God (the lost). Believers, on the other hand, understand that the separation of death is only temporary. For this reason, believers should find much hope after losing a loved one who knew the Lord. This loss serves as another reminder to look forward to the joys of heaven awaiting God’s people. The scenario is much different for the lost. When a lost person loses a loved one, there is no reason for hope. If the departed loved one was saved, no hope for a reunion is both real and anticipated; however, if the loved one was never saved, hell will not be a place for any joyous reunions. It is terrible to witness others lose loved ones to death without the wonderful hope offered by God to His children.
The book of Proverbs serves as a chronicle of a father’s instruction to his son. Those who approach Proverbs with a teachable spirit can gain much practical help in making wise decisions. In chapter five, Solomon warned his son to heed wise instruction. He told his son that failure to do so would lead to regrets later in life when the son would say, “How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof; and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined mine ear to them that instructed me!” Chapter one of Proverbs offers the solution to the matter: “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning” (Proverbs 1:5). Those who are wise are continually learning. When an individual refuses to have a teachable spirit, he identifies himself as the fool that he is. Everyone has much to learn so be teachable or stay a fool! The choice is yours.
