Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. Proverbs 9:8-9
On the back half of my vacation in Maine, I resume my study of Proverbs picking up in chapter 9, which my study describes as "the final poem of the first major section of [Proverbs]." This chapter contrasts the two paths we have in life - wisdom and folly. While the English dictionary for reprove has some variation, it core definition is one that describes criticism, feedback, or instruction - the variation can often be wide from harsh to gentle. Regardless of the variation - my study points out how the Jewish elders during Jesus' ministry (and shortly thereafter as the early church formed) on earth rejected Him as scoffers. Here in Proverbs 9 we see the same message as scripture describes and contrasts scoffers versus a wise/righteous man. For me this is a hard message to swallow as I've recently acted like a scoffer. Please God forgive me and help me fear in You first then seek wisdom.
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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - despite my sin. Thank You Jesus. Yet I am not deserving of Your grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
