I Was Only Trying to Help...

There are those kinds of people that really are difficult to deal with. You cannot suggest anything, they already ‘know’ what to do. You cannot discuss things with them, their minds are made up. And if you should ever try to help by offering correction, “Watch Out!” They will lash back at you as if you are the one who needs correction.

If you are not expecting that type of reaction, it can really take you by surprise. If you have the presence of mind not to strike back, you might feel a hurt and feel uncertain as to what to do next.

One of the greatest values of the Proverbs is that of teaching us about the brutal realities of life. Solomon often makes simple observations that will help us to face life with greater understanding so that we are not surprised, and so that others do not take unfair advantage of us. His teachings help us to move forward in life with our heads held high. He helps us to face life's challenges by 'toughening us up' mentally and emotionally.

   He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, 
   And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
   --Proverbs 9:7

This is the kind of proverb that presents a true observation about life. It is a, “Brace yourself,” kind of advisory. It is reality!

The word ‘correct’ is literally an emphatic ‘sternly correct.’ In the Hebrew Old Testament it often describes discipline. The term ‘reprove’ is similar, but refers more to verbal correction.

As far as the scoffer and the wicked are concerned, they already ‘know.’ So they reject instruction and correction. You do not tell them, they will tell you. They have made choices in life and are set in their ways. You could say that they have set their path ‘in stone.’

So, when the scoffer dishonors you, or the wicked person insults you, don't fall apart. Don't cry about it. Understand that God already knows about the scoffer. God has warned us of the brutal reality of the scoffer through Solomon's writings. Recognize the scoffer and the wicked man for who they are. You are not judging them, but rather making a simple identification based the way they choose to express their character. So, take this wise insight and stand up straight. Do what is right, and move forward without fighting, without crying,  and without feeling badly.

And read the next two verses...
Really...God reveals something more...
So, get your Bible...right now...and...
Read two more verses...

Insight into Insight...

     The righteous is concerned for the rights of the poor,
     The wicked does not understand such concern.
     --Proverbs 29:7

The one who is righteous is engaged in behavior that is descriptive of the nature of God. So, he adopts the character of God as his own character.

Let me illustrate:

When I was in my teens and twenties I worked for my dad a few summers building houses. Dad would give me instructions on how to accomplish tasks, but also how to care for my tools. He also told me his expectations with regard to his crew of carpenters. I did what 'the boss' said.

I began to see the wisdom of dad's instruction through practice. Over time the things he taught became habits. I began to think like he thought about my tools, about the guys that worked for him, and about the expected quality of work. The values dad taught are now a part of me, "The job is not finished until the tools are put away..." just like dad said.

Not only did I learn valuable lessons, I learned something about my dad. I gained insight into his character by doing the things he taught!

The revealed word of God, Scripture, reflects God’s character. God has not given mankind instruction that in any way opposes his divine character. So, when a person follows God in righteousness, he speaks like God speaks, acts like God acts, and even learns to think like God thinks. Through the practice of righteousness he gains insight into the character of God.

Reflecting on the proverb above...
God is deeply concerned for the poor. The righteous person is concerned for the rights of the poor, not because he is a natural humanitarian, but because of his insight into God’s character through righteousness.

The wicked person is baffled; no insight; no concern for the poor.

Pursue righteousness; gain insight into God's character.