Daily Devotion of Proverbs 9

Daily Nugget:
“He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. 8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” Proverbs 8:7-9

This world contains all kinds of people. Two of those types are scorners and those that are biblically wise. Both groups are discussed in Proverbs 9.

“Scorners” are those that refuse to hear advice or get mad or disrespectful when it is suggested that there are other directions or choices they could be making. They are set in their own ways and are often provoked to anger when told what they are doing is wrong. They especially do not like it when the Word of God rebukes their actions and beliefs.

Those stubborn in doing what they want cannot usually be reasoned with or taught. They are closed-minded about God’s ways and His commandments. Correcting them is not often fruitful, and many times the one correcting is made out to be the “bad guy.”

Proverbs 9:8 says that if one tries to correct them, the scorner may get angry and be hateful. Sadly, we see that often today, when those that are standing for immoral practices as abortion, homosexuality, living off of government support rather than working, and other practices the Bible condemns are corrected (“rebuked”).

However, the other person discussed in Proverbs 9:7-8 behaves much differently. His desire is to do the right thing, especially if it is in-line with what the Bible commands.

The wise person may not immediately like to be challenged or corrected, but with the indwelling, convicting Holy Spirit’s help, he usually will realize his error and do his best to make a change in behavior or thinking if he is shown he was wrong. Many times one with wisdom will appreciate the correction after he realizes it saved him from making a mistake he would regret later.

A wise person does not run from instruction; he often seeks it. That may be why the wise delves into the Word of God searching for God’s direction and advice. It is also why he prays for God’s help and His opening or closing of doors of opportunity so that a decision mistake will be avoided.

Although few like to be corrected, a wise person will not have peace and contentment until He knows His decision is God-approved. The “scorner” seldom seeks any guidance, especially God’s, and is led by his own desires, ideas, and plans. What kind of person are you? A scorner or a wise person?

Today’s Thought: 
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” II Tim. 3:16

Words to Understand:
Reproveth: correcting
Scorner: dislike and even disrespect for anyone’s advice or recommendation.

Today’s Reading:
Proverbs 9
1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13 ¶ A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.