Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
Proverbs 9:7-10 (ESV)
Bible Reading Comments
I wonder how many of our attempts to correct the culture and the leaders of it are fruitless because we have not grasped, nor embraced the truth of these verses. When a person scoffs at the idea that there is a God in heaven . . . or scoffs at the idea that God is the arbiter of all truth . . . or scoffs at the idea that God’s Word is the final authority . . . or scoffs at the idea that there is one way to heaven through Jesus Christ . . . correction of the individual seems unfruitful . . . they’re simply not open. These verses make it clear that reproof or correction in these cases will get us nothing but abuse, injury and hatred. Perhaps what scoffers need more than proof in words and argument is proof in what they see. When the scoffers look at our lives, do they see evidence that would prove any of the arguments we’re tempted to spout in words? May God give us each wisdom to reveal His truth and His love in ways that will penetrate the scoffer’s hearts and in ways that will bear fruit for His glory.
Prayer
Father in Heaven, fill us with wisdom and love today. Enable us to speak volumes with our actions, and empower us to live the truth before all men so that many will turn to You and embrace Your salvation. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.
