Rebuke, Reproof, Correction (Proverbs 9:7-9)

There are two types of people in the world, the wise and the foolish. Both exist simultaneously and the Christian has interaction with the both of them. Correction, however, is not for both the fool and the wise. A fool can never receive the correction that I wise man can because he fool will never see (nor can he see) the error of his ways. A wise man understands that there may be times when his path is not correct, that his feet are not planted on the assuredness of God's Word.

"He who rebukes a scorner heaps upon himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man gets for himself bruises." Proverbs 9:7, Amplified

The foolish is never ready to listen or the understand the errors of his path. The scorner will divert the energy of the rebuke back upon the rebuker. The sinner must feel good about himself, so turning the attention of the people away from his error is the best tactic.

"Reprove a scorner, lest he hate you; reprove a wise man and he will love you." Proverbs 9:8, Amplified

The scornful will only harden their heart at the words of rebuke. The Bible in no way is telling not to rebuke the fool or the scorner or the sinner. It is merely giving us an understanding as to what we are up against when we want to correct the worldly minded. The sinner lives in darkness, therefore he cannot stan the light of rebuke. A cover of hate must flood out the words of rebuke.

The wise on the other hand enjoy the words of rebuke. That joy may not be apparent at the time, but in the end it will be evident. The like minded in Christ must keep each other like minded in Christ. For that, love and appreciation will be administered through the rebuke and the acceptance of that rebuke.

"Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser; teach a righteous man - one upright and in right standing with God - and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:9, Amplified

It seems a little oxymoronic to teach a wise man anything. But in truth the wise man understands his need for more wisdom. The righteous man's heart is always open to new understanding of the ways of God. The wise and righteous man's hearts must be open to this newness to really understand the rejection put forth by the foolish man. Daily knowledge for the wise man is gained through the reading of God's Word and the practical application of that same Word.