Israel had many kings who ignored the warnings given to them by the prophets. The spiritual leaders in Jesus’ time ignored the warnings of John the Baptist and Jesus. Today, we still see how political, spiritual, and family leaders, who refuse to be disciplined by God’s Word, lead others astray.
But the person who does not put himself above God’s Word, is "on the path to life." The fear of the Lord, whereby we accept his discipline, is the only thing that can help us to find our way in this world and to show the way to others.
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.