It is a strange but concerning matter that we pay so little attention to the Bible, when the instruction it gives is genuinely for our good. Yet, we are taught from an early age to pay attention to instructions and important information, especially about health and safety. Having lived for a number of years in a small hamlet in rural Suffolk, I am frequently struck by the sheer number of signs you see in London. They are everywhere and of every sort, on the streets, or painted on roads, on public transport, in parks and on buildings and building sites... Apart from advertising, which I am quite good at blanking out, we see signs for information, directions, instructions, even warnings (with threats of consequences for ignoring them!). The coronavirus pandemic has given rise to a whole new category of signs as part of the information campaign aimed at teaching us how to clamp down on the spread and impact of this nasty infection. And we should take such information and instructions, even the rebukes, seriously. It is obviously wise to do so and is for everyone's good. It could be put like this, 'Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise' (Proverbs 15:31). On the other hand, there is something self-defeating and potentially self-destructive about ignoring such instruction. 'Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding' (Proverbs 15:32). 

Most of us do realise that sound advice or instruction, and even laws, intended for everyone's welfare ought to be respected and that the minority who think otherwise foolishly put themselves and others at risk. We see the sense of this when it comes to practical matters like road safety or coronavirus, but when it comes to spiritual matters, such as the Bible's warnings about sin and its instruction about salvation, we think we know better and can safely disregard it. But, 'Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honour' (Proverbs 15:33).