Whoever corrects a scoffer is asking for insult. Whoever reproves a wicked man gets abuse. Do not correct a scoffer or he will hate you. Rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Proverbs 9:7-8, TLV

A Scoffer, a Wicked Person, and a Wise Person Walk Into a . . .      Do you like confrontations? I don’t. Corrections and rebukes require confrontations. I prefer teaching and instruction, but really sometimes a situation calls for a quick reprimand.

Have we attempted corrections and rebukes and received a negative response? Does this happen often, especially with certain people? Perhaps we need to discern whether or not we’re dealing with scoffers or someone coming from a wicked point of view.

I was thinking this morning about those responses in today’s verses. What might that look like? What could be a situation that calls for a quick rebuke or correction?

Here goes: two people walk together on a sidewalk next to a busy street. They notice a store they want to visit that is on the other side of the street. One person jumps into the road to get to the other side. The companion sees this person has jumped into the path of a speeding vehicle. They yell, “No!” and roughly yank them back onto the sidewalk. Then says, “You could have been killed. The crosswalk is up just ahead.”

Responses

What might the responses be?

• scoffer: would most likely be embarrassed by their foolishness but will not admit it. They deflect the kind act by invalidating it and trying to put down the other person. “What are you doing? I was fine.” “You’re the one who needs to be careful.” “You worry too much.”
• wicked one: would most likely get physical with the person who rescued them — perhaps push them back. They might accuse the person of trying to do them harm. Then walk away angry. Later, you might hear from others that you actually pushed them into the oncoming traffic.
• wise one: The rebuke and correction might shock the wise one. However, once it registers that they have been rescued, they turn and hug the person in gratitude. They will remind their rescuer of how grateful they are.

What Type of People are Around You?

From these responses, think of the people in your life who typically give you a negative response to a correction or rebuke. Especially as it pertains to a situation that calls for a quick reprimand or warning. What category(ies) do they fit into?

If they respond negatively, then they may never respond to us in a satisfying manner. So, we need to prayerfully consider whether we should continue to try and pass on wise correction. Should we continue to do so, we just need to know that their replies may not be what we hope.

Danger, Will Robinson

Now, should situations arise where we need to “pull them to safety,” I believe we should always do that. But we do it because it’s the right thing to do, not because we think they will change.

It’s important to remember that the goal of any correction is NOT to prove we’re right and they are wrong. It’s the goal of Godly correction to provide an opportunity for restoration and wisdom. Isn’t that how our Heavenly Father treats us?

Think More About It

What has been your personal experience with corrections toward you? How do you handle it emotionally? What about when you correct others?

Until tomorrow, may our words bring life and wisdom, even in our corrections, my friends.

Ah. Yes. How do we respond and/or correct the fallacies concerning Israel, and the Jewish people? With wisdom and discernment—and love. Perhaps today, let’s pray for that wisdom and discernment. To know when and if we should address a misconception or outright lie. I know I am. God bless you.