PROVERBS 9
7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied,
and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself;
if you scoff, you alone will bear it. – Proverbs 9:7-12
PROVERBS 9 ON TEACHING OR CORRECTING FOOLS
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Do not waste your time on teaching or correcting fools
When you correct scoffers, be prepared to be abused
They do not like to be told that what they are doing wrong
They will fight back if you instruct or tell them what to do
When you teach a scoffer something, they will oppose you
Their pride will be hurt and they don’t want to appear dumb.
Solomon warns us on dealing with the wicked, the fools and the scoffers. It is wise for us to be aware of all these people who do not know the Lord. Those who are puffed up with so much pride won’t listen to anyone because they think they know it all. They think highly of themselves which do not give any accommodation to other’s opinion or wisdom.
Solomon tells us that the beginning of wisdom is fear of the Lord. So, how can an unbeliever even have insight or wisdom if he does not know the Lord? When you see the signs of haughtiness, pride and self-centeredness, run away from these people and do not waste your precious time teaching them or giving them advice. They will just trample on or twist anything you say. No need to give pearls to the pigs.
REFLECTION
- Share an experience trying to put some sense in foolish or wicked people.
