Proverbs 9:8
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Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
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What wisdom is the Lord teaching here? First, and less important, we must learn to respond like wise men ourselves; but then, more importantly, we must learn to recognize the difference in others as well. For some men do not deserve reproof and God's truth.
Wise men love to be corrected, for they know it is the only way to be wiser (9:9). And this is true, even if the correction hurts (Ps 141:5). They know that true love will rebuke and wound them, and they prefer this to the kisses and deceitful love of enemies (27:5-6). When you reprove such a man, he will appreciate and love you for it (25:12); so do it.
But fools hate to be corrected, for their ignorant hearts believe they are right (12:15; 23:9). And scorners are even worse than fools, for their raging pride will not accept rebuke; and they will hate the messenger and his message (9:7). Their haughty conceit causes them to despise instruction, correction, or warning. Beware of them, dear reader.
If a spirit is haughty and self-righteous, even seven men with good reasons will not move it (26:16). It is amazing to watch scorners reject counsel and correction that would save them from trouble, but their arrogant hearts cannot bear being corrected. They have fed their souls the bread of conceit and pride for so long, they are beyond recovery (21:24). They are an abomination to men (24:9), and it is best to throw them out (22:10).
While you might rebuke them a few times to shut their mouths (26:5), you must soon end debate with them for wise reasons (26:4). Wrangling, debating, and even entertaining the questions of such persons is neither wise nor right (II Tim 2:16,23; I Tim 6:3-5).
The Lord Jesus taught this proverb in Matthew 7:6, where He commanded we not cast our pearls before swine nor give holy things to dogs. The pearls and holy things are the precious jewels of God's wisdom and truth. And He gave two wise reasons. These conceited, brute beasts will first mock your words and then will pervert them against you.
Let us flee from these wicked persons. And let us correct any tendencies in our lives and those of our family members to be like them. Such are not worthy of wisdom and truth.
Men respond two ways to reproof and rebuke, and the difference reveals their heart and character. Either they appreciate correction, learn from it, and love the messenger. Or they resent and reject it and hate the messenger. What is your heart and character, reader?
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