Lashings, with a wet noodle?

TODAY’S PROVERB: A rebuke makes a greater impression on a discerning person than a hundred lashes on a fool. Proverbs 17:10

Does anyone remember the advice columnist “Ann Landers”? She and “Dear Abby” were big deals in the newspaper world. Their columns were syndicated regular features in hundreds of newspapers.

Ann Landers and Dear Abby were fictional characters, but their advice, written by twin Jewish sisters — Esther “Eppie” Lederer and Pauline Phillips — was more than fluff. They both carried a lot of truth.

Ann Landers (a.k.a. Esther Lederer)

I grew up reading Ann Landers in the 60’s and 70’s. What I loved about her was her willingness to admit when she had made a mistake or gave wrong advice. Her classic line was that she should be given 30 lashes with a wet noodle.

Not quite what King Solomon had in mind here, I’m sure. Still, it reminded me that her public acknowledgement of her mistake was admirable.

How I wish I could learn lessons the first time — to take my noodle lashing. To not suffer the harsher lashes of regret or embarrassment for repeating foolish decisions.

I suppose to learn a lesson the first time is to take the rebuke. To really explore with our Heavenly Father the ins and outs of His teaching. To pay attention to how we got there and watch for the same signs warning us we’re heading in the wrong direction.

As uncomfortable as it is to receive a rebuke, it’s better than the emotional lashing or the physical repercussions of our poor decisions, don’t you think. So, I think I’ll take that lashing with a wet noodle and learn.

May we be discerning and learn from rebukes, my friends.

Proverbs 17:10 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs