Proverbs 9:8 “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”
The book of Proverbs speaks multiple times about how one responds to a rebuke. As it speaks to how one responds it also reveals what happens when one receives the rebuke and what happens when one rejects a rebuke.
Here are but a few verses that address one’s response to a rebuke or correction or discipline:
Proverbs 10:17 The one who follows correction is on the path to life, but the one who rejects correction goes astray.
Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 13:18 Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.
Proverbs 15:5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, But he who receives correction is prudent.
Proverbs 15:31 The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise.
Proverbs 15:32 He who rejects discipline detests himself, but he who listens to correction grows in understanding.
Proverbs 17:10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool.
Proverbs 19:25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, and he will discern knowledge.
Here in our verse, we find one who hates being corrected will hate the one who corrects them so Proverbs gives the admonishment to not get involved with a scoffer. On the other hand, one who understands the value of correction will value – will love the corrector.
How do you respond to the one correcting you? Do you receive it or reject it? Do you hate the one who is trying to help you?
Prayer: Psalm 141:5 “Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it.”
Continue Strong responding correctly to corrections!
And remember to DATE the Word!