“Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”
– Proverbs 9:8
How do you respond when someone offers firm, friendly correction? Do you receive it well and learn from it? Do you raise your shields, become angry with the other person, make excuses, argue endlessly, defend yourself and everything you’ve ever done, or cut off all relationship with the person? Your answer says FAR more about YOU than it does about the person offering correction!
We live in a very thin-skinned, defensive culture. Many today hate any word of advice, correction, or contradiction. They seek only affirmation of anything they say or do. If you don’t affirm them, they think you’re attacking or hating them. They respond to any advice or correction as if you’ve committed an act of violence. What does that reveal about them? That they aren’t the “wise” man or woman spoken of here! They are the “scoffer”, the hater of those who are serious, godly, and trying to help them. In Proverbs, the scoffer is a special category of ungodly fool who makes themselves seem smarter, cooler, and more relevant by mocking anything said by a wise person who loves God. The book makes clear that they’re on the path to destruction and damnation. Don’t be a scoffer!!!
Wisdom is receiving someone’s correction, evaluating what or how much of it might be true and relevant, applying that part, and being gracious toward someone who meant well. Wisdom is admitting you might not always be 100% correct in all matters. Wisdom is remaining polite even if you don’t agree. Wisdom is asking God if He agrees with the feedback, correction, or constructive criticism and trusting His answer. Wisdom is recognizing that those who disagree with you, don’t affirm you, and actively correct you actually love you far more than those who smile and cheer you on no matter what ridiculous thing you say or do. Be wise and take correction well! #FollowJesus