READING: Proverbs 7-9
I wonder just how wise I am, especially when I evaluate my “wisdom” in light of the book of Proverbs. In today’s reading, the writer of Proverbs 9 compares the wise and the foolish. One of those comparisons is based on how one who is rebuked responds to the rebuke. Note the difference in these two responses:
“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers, or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise, and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and they will add to their learning” (Prov 9:7-9).
The foolish man remains unteachable, even turning on the one who rebukes him. He rejects his critic with verbal abuse and hatred. The wise man, on the other hand, loves the one who rebukes him. He knows rebuke is for his own good, and he understands that someone who truly loves him will take the risk to rebuke him as needed. Thus, the wise man becomes wiser, and the righteous man (synonymous with the wise man) adds to his learning.
I trust that I don’t turn on those who lovingly rebuke me. At the same time, however, I must honestly evaluate where I fall between the two poles in today’s reading: between hating my critic and loving my critic. I hope that I always lean toward loving, but I suspect I’ve had times when I wanted to condemn my rebuker verbally rather than listen to his words. I’m sure I’ve thought about using my words to condemn the one who tries to use his words to help me.
I desperately need men in my life who love me enough to rebuke me. If I’m wise in my response, though — at all, at any time, in any situation, with any person — it’s only because of God’s grace overwhelming me.
ACTION STEPS:
- Evaluate your own life based on the poles of response to rebuke. In which direction do you lean?
- If you need to apologize to anyone for reacting wrongly to a rebuke, do so. Use your words of confession to promote healing.
PRAYER: “God, make me a man of wisdom — willing to listen, even to someone who rebukes me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Proverbs 10-12