Proverbs 9 (David)“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.” Proverbs 9:7-9
There’s always one (or more) in every crowd… the one who thinks he/she knows everything and is not afraid to announce it to all who will listen. The conversation may be about a subject no one truly grasps (ie. what heaven is really like) but the arrogant one will surely have plenty to say about it and with total certainty he has the big picture. Right.
At times like these, I must admit I have felt my blood pressure rising and have been known to say a few choice words to try and bring the delusional person back to reality. Not happening. In fact, more than once I watched my well-intentioned efforts backfire on me as the “wise one” raised his volume and intensified his argument, even worse making me the center of attention as the “stupid one.” And, in many respects, I was.
Solomon advises us in Proverbs 9:7-9 that it is foolish to rebuke a foolish person. A foolish person will not accept wisdom or advice; instead, they will ridicule it. In other words, it is futile, yes, unwise to try and correct an arrogant man or woman bent on always being right. It is a waste of time.
On the other hand, find a person hungry for God’s truth and direction and you will find someone who welcomes correction and counsel. This person understands the road to understanding and wisdom is paved with wrong exits and dead ends. Unfortunately, there is no GPS system available for navigating wisdom. No one seeks to be wrong but you can’t be wrong unless you are seeking an answer. And we know God loves seekers!
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Luke 11:10
It is never embarrassing or shameful to admit “I don’t know” or “I’m lost,” especially when it comes to pursuing God. Rather, it is an indication I am trying to find understanding or my way. As we seek God’s ways of wisdom, let’s admit up front how little we understand about Him. Let’s avoid at all costs a spirit of pride and arrogance about what we feel we have finally grasped.
After 30 amazing years of marriage to my best friend, I still look at Joyce with a sense of wonder and realize there is so much more love I want to experience with her. In ways, I feel I could not know her better or love her more but then there are those dreadful moments when I say something to her and she looks at me and tells me with her eyes and expression “you do not know me at all!” How can that be?
I feel the same about my even longer-term relationship with God. There is so much I know and love about Him but there are also times when I find myself babbling like a newborn baby in His presence. How could I know so little? It is somewhat embarrassing at times!
I admit it! I’ve known Christ for 35+ years, I’ve had some of the best spiritual mentors to be found, I’ve even completed seminary and sport a Masters of Divinity! And still, I am NOT smarter than a 5th grader when it comes to knowing God.
Somehow I feel I am not alone. Let’s all encourage one another, instruct one another in the ways of God, and even correct one another when needed. Let’s humbly admit to one another how little we know and how far we have yet to travel on this road to God’s wisdom. But, most of all, let’s continue to diligently seek His face together… unashamedly. After all, He promises us:
“The LORD is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2
“Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
