"Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning" (Proverbs 9:7-9).
This passage is strategically placed between Wisdom's invitation and the invitation offered by the woman "Folly" (see Proverbs 9:13-18). Both Wisdom and Folly cry out in the streets with an invitation to feast at their table. Today's passage describes the consequences of accepting either invitation.
To accept wisdom's invitation is to accept correction and reproof. To do so means you are wise. To do so puts you in a loving relationship with wisdom. To scoff at wisdom's invitation to enjoy her banquet delights is to R.S.V.P with hateful abuse. Scoffers hate wisdom's reproof and correction and they will make that hatred known.
When instruction is given to a wise man, he only gets wiser. The righteous man who listens to wisdom's instruction flourishes in life. Wisdom brings more life to the one who is alive while folly only brings more bitterness to the one who is perishing.
"Lady Wisdom" has lots of experience when it comes to being hated and abused. She offers herself to anyone who will have her. The wise truly get wiser when she is in their life. The scoffer only gets more abusive and hateful.
Consider your response to the person who may correct of reprove you today. Allow your spirit to respond well to wisdom's instruction in your life. If you find yourself abusive and hateful to the one who offers insight and instruction, you may be heading down the wrong path. You may be listening to Folly's invitation rather than Wisdom's.
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