Day 44
Exodus 35:10‐36:38; Matthew 27:32‐66; Psalm 34:1‐10; Proverbs 9:7‐8
Mocker or Wise Man
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.” – Proverbs 9:8
Unfortunately, here is a verse from Proverbs that stings. It is so very easy to throw a retort at someone who criticizes. A mocker is not good at receiving criticism, seeing it as a threat to be rebuffed. A wise person accepts criticism as constructive advice offered by others whose experience would be helpful.
So, are you a mocker or a wise person? You can tell by the way you respond to criticism. Are you quick to respond with a caustic retort, especially when you feel rebuked by the criticism? This verse from Proverbs tells us we should listen to what is being said. We need to learn from our critics. Proverbs tells us that “this is the path to wisdom.”
Wisdom comes from knowing God. Through wisdom given to us by the Father, we gain insight into living. Knowing God is not just gathering the facts about Him. Knowing God is to stand in awe of Him and have a personal relationship with Him. So we have to ask ourselves whether or not we really want to be wise. If we do, then it’s time to enter a true relationship with the One who loves us–even if His correction stings.
The Rev. Ed Bartle