Scoffers versus the Wise man
One’s response to admonition reflects the internal state of their soul. We all hesitate to tell a scoffer that they are mistaken or that they did something wrong. We know that they will repeat their past responses which stung us before. Rather than pausing to consider our words, they will burst out with abuse and injury. While they may claim to care for us, in reality they will show their hatred for our shining light on their folly.
In contrast, the wise man will show love to us when we correct their mistakes. Their gratitude will reflect that their primary goal is truth and righteousness and wisdom. Their character will show through and in doing so they will grow even wiser.
As we walk in this world, other Proverbs comes to mind like ‘Be slow to anger’ and ‘Be slow to speak.’ Before you respond to someone offering correction, take a breath and consider if their guidance is true. If they have been a source of wise counsel before and their past character has reflected trustworthiness, receive their correction with gratitude. Even if you ultimately determine it is unfounded, you will grow in the process and keep a source of wise counsel.
7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.
