Bible Study – Proverbs 9

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Mocker or Wise?
These verses in Proverbs 9 jumped out to me. Solomon was telling us how to be wise when we come in contact with the Mockers in our life.  Read with me a couple of verses:
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Proverbs 9:7-8 (NIV)
 
Or the KJV “He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.” Proverbs 9:7-8 KJV 
What is a mocker?  Here’s what I found; a person who causes repeated emotional pain, distress, or annoyance to another.
We each have experience dealing with people who have caused us emotional pain, distress or annoyance.  People who question our decisions, question our motives, give us their opinion or conviction without being asked it. People that have approached us, saying hurtful words.
Can you tell when someone is in this frame of mind?  Can you tell when someone is just worked up, not thinking clearly, just needing to vent?

I am learning.  I had this experience once, well several times really.  This time a gal came to me very stressed and emotional. She had been working her self into a big emotional ball for months.  She finally let me have it.  She cried, she made me cry.  She got loud, she fought. Unfortunately I fought back. 🙁  I didn’t listen to this verse.  I did it all wrong.  I was hurt. I was in distress.  I tried to correct her.  I tried to rebuke her.  I tried to show her my reasons, I tried to change her mind about me.

The Holy Spirit tried to tell me to stop.  The Holy Spirit tried to tell me this was not the time to discuss it. The Holy Spirit tried to tell me to just listen and let her share her heart.  He tried to tell me that she wasn’t ready to hear my heart.
I did it wrong that day.  I didn’t stop.  I received insult and shame, I received abuse (or blot in KJV).  Just as the verses above said I would.
Praise God, He had mercy on me and that story ended in forgiveness and love.
However.

 

I’ve been back in that same place.  Someone is worked up, whether they mean to be or not, they are scorning me, they are mocking me.  Sometimes I do it wrong.  Thankfully, sometimes I’ve done it right.
Just yesterday, someone came to me, questioning me.  Praise God, I STOPPED.  I didn’t try to correct their thinking.  I told them I’m sorry if what I did bothered them.  I didn’t try to tell them my reasons why.  I just wait.  I pray someday they will be ready to hear me out.  Hear my heart, rather than insult and shame me.
If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you; if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. (Proverbs 9:12 NIV)
How do you deal with it when someone approaches you in this manner?  Join the conversation.

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4 Comments

  1. Your words ring so true to me. My son visited in March and I feel so bad that I fought back when he was telling me about his feelings and beliefs in religion. There were a couple of points that we did not agree on. He was very good at following what God teaches and as a parent I should have been, but wasn't. In after thought, I felt like I had let Satan come out through my words and demeanor. After his visit, God spoke to me in such a reminding way of my actions and it was a sad thing. I did apologize, but as it says, the tongue is a powerful tool and should be used wisely. Words cannot be taken back. Even in all my years, I'm still learning. Love your butterfly photo. 🙂

    1. Thank you for sharing, Peabea. God is so good to remind us, and gently telling where we erred. I'm so glad you had Grace to go back and ask your son for forgiveness. God Bless you as you keep on learning. Trudie

  2. I find it is so easy for me to react, rather than to stop and wait. Thankful when I have the grace and wisdom to just wait before speaking something I regret.

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