Proverbs 9:7-12 - Staying Wise

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Proverbs 9:7-12 - Staying Wise

By Skip Toomaloo
May 26, 2005

“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning.” (Prov.9:7-9)

Oh, how true; how many times those who mock the Christian faith abuse those who believe with their slander. The Christian, who rises above the slander to fulfill his witness and his duty to testify, faces insults of the worse kind. (I write from experience.)

We have read insults to the recently deceased Pope; to Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham and George Bush. We’ve read insults to the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and Paul the Apostle. It seems no one is permitted to speak against evil without encountering the scorn of those who mock.

The admonishment above is to not rebuke a mocker. Well, there is no real need for rebuke anyway. First: it makes no difference. Those who mock just do not care that they are boorish and insulting. Second: It is the wise Christian who would bless those that curse. The scriptures remind us that if we are faithful in blessing those cursing us, we heap “coals of fire” on their heads. That seems more productive than any unheeded rebuke.

It is the wise man who understands there is a God. Most of the wise are intelligent in their faith and we are willing to add to their wisdom in spiritual things daily. A Christian should be able to successfully “rebuke” a fellow Christian. The scriptures are for Christians and are “profitable” for doctrine, reproof and instruction in righteousness. It does not profit faith to throw the pearls of biblical wisdom to swine that refuse to listen; so why bother?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer.” (Prov.9:10-12)

We have all read, memorized and understood the first part of that quote from scripture. It is the back end that many times is overlooked or not quoted at all. Those who mock God are those destined for suffering.

It is true that Jesus, the Holy One, promised the Christian tribulation while we are in the world. The world is not the natural home of the believer. The world hates those who believe in Jesus simply because it hated Jesus first. These are not secrets.

But the “fear” (trust) of the Lord and his promises is the beginning of a wisdom beyond anything the world can offer. Knowledge of the Holy One is salvation and spiritual reward. Those who mock will never understand.

Live your testimony Christian. Ensure your testimony reflects Jesus. That is all God asks of us. Let those who mock God “suffer alone”.

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