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- Oct 26, 2007
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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
A mark of wisdom is the willingness to accept correction and to admit wrongdoing. A scoffer, he who mocks others and finds his worth in degrading someone else, is the least likely person to accept any kind of constructive criticism or to engage in personal reflection. What’s more, a scoffer is likely to mock even the people trying to offer help.
If you want to guide others in the right direction, look for people who are interested in growth and improvement, who are willing to do the hard things today to gain the benefits tomorrow. And when you receive correction, be careful to consider taking what has been shared to heart. Even if you disagree with what you’ve been told, don’t scoff. Consider what you can learn, and remember that God’s wisdom and knowledge are far greater than your own.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see myself with humility so that I accept instruction from You and from others.
A mark of wisdom is the willingness to accept correction and to admit wrongdoing. A scoffer, he who mocks others and finds his worth in degrading someone else, is the least likely person to accept any kind of constructive criticism or to engage in personal reflection. What’s more, a scoffer is likely to mock even the people trying to offer help.
If you want to guide others in the right direction, look for people who are interested in growth and improvement, who are willing to do the hard things today to gain the benefits tomorrow. And when you receive correction, be careful to consider taking what has been shared to heart. Even if you disagree with what you’ve been told, don’t scoff. Consider what you can learn, and remember that God’s wisdom and knowledge are far greater than your own.
Prayer: Lord, help me to see myself with humility so that I accept instruction from You and from others.
