He Who Corrects A Scoffer Gets Shame For Himself, And He Who Rebukes A Wicked Man Only Harms Himself
Wisdom Starts From Knowing And Believing God
PROVERBS 9:7-9
“”He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
”Proverbs 9:7-9 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.9.7-9.NKJ
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My beloved, to correct a scoffer or rebuke a sinner is only wasting one’s time.
We cannot change people nor false them to believe. However, we can continue to pray for them, that in time they commit to the Lord.
We are not to condemn unbelievers, but where there’s opportunity, tell them the truth of Jesus Christ. If they are not willing move on.
Jesus said, ““Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.”
Matthew 7:6 NKJV
Fear of the Lord is the basic ingredient of wisdom. But not fearing God, is like rejecting Him and His wisdom outright.
Sin placed upon us all the curse of eternal death, but God sent His only begotten Son to set us free from the curse by paying our debt of sin on a cross, so that we may have the opportunity to receive the gift of life (JOHN 3:16).
Jesus’ death did not change the Law or give us all a license to continue in sin; but rather gave each of us the opportunity to start afresh and live in the righteousness of Christ through repentance; that is to bring death to our sinful past and be “born again ” into God’s family.
Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.””
John 3:5-8 NKJV
Sin is not something we can deal with ourselves; we all need God’s help to teach and empower us to do what is right. Jesus told us, ““If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”
John 14:15-18 NKJV
There are conditions to our salvation-“if you love Me, keep my commandments,” then He will send the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you on your walk with God. Yes, we will all make mistakes, but Jesus blood paid for our mistakes and God is merciful and faithful to forgive. In deed the Holy Spirit is our guarantee and our future eternal life is sealed (2 CORINTHIANS 1:22; EPHESIANS 1:14), and therefore, their is no condemnation for anyone in Christ (ROMANS 8:1).
But my beloved, be warned; Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.””
John 3:3 NKJV
We Spirit filled believers are to face all kinds of troubles, criticism, and mockery-it is part of the package. James said, “when” troubles come, not “if”. God uses of all them to teach and build our faith (JAMES 1:2-4).
But how do you respond to criticism? Are you a mocker or are you wise?
Instead of responding to criticism with anger, or a clever comment to rebuke your critic, listen carefully and give consideration to what is being said. Learn from your critics for this is the path to wisdom.
Wisdom starts from knowing and believing God, and having a relationship with Him. ““The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And if you scoff, you will bear it alone.””
Proverbs 9:10-12 NKJV
He gives insight into living because not only did He create life., but came in human form to live on earth, facing all the temptations, trials, and challenges that we face in our lives today (PHILIPPIANS 2:6-8).
He lived and experienced it all and did not cave into sin. We can put our trust in God, “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”
I Corinthians 1:25 NKJV
Therefore, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
James 1:5-8 NKJV
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
