Passage and Comments

I found the following instructions interesting;

7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,

and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.

8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;

reprove a wise man, and he will love you.

9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. (Prov 9:7–9)

Note the differences in responses to correction, reproof, and instruction.

We are warned against correcting a scoffer. Sometimes it is helpful to hold your tongue with those who will throw what you say back in your face. Were instructed not to reprove (to scold or correct usually gently or with kindly intent) a wicked man, he will retaliate. The scoffer will hate you. Basically he’s saying avoid these people if you can.

Wise men seek wisdom and instruction. They respond differently and will love those who reprove them. Why? Dont they find this painful as well. Well yes, but their main goal is to grow in knowledge and wisdom. They understand this when they are reproved. The scoffer is only interested in his image. The wise man how he can grow in wisdom.

We need to be people who listen humbly to those who seek to teach us. That way we will be ‘still wiser’ and ‘increase in learning’.

Story of Jesus

Perhaps the best person to listen to is Jesus. Jesus identified his people as sheep and said;

2 But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. (Jn 10:2–4)

Jesus has earned our attention. Whatever he says, listen. Weather it be reproof of instruction. The correction of one who cares for you is easy. Because you know they have your best interests in mind. Listen to his voice.

Copyright © Joshua Washington and thescripturesays, 2014. All Rights Reserved.

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