Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?version=ESV&search=Proverbs+009
Proverbs 9 (ESV)
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.
REFLECTION:
This passage teaches us how to deal with other people’s reprimands in our lives, and how to teach and instruct others with the wisdom given by God. From your reaction to other people’s criticism, you can tell whether you are a foolish person or a wise person. When we are being reprimanded, we should not immediately sneer or fight back with clever words, but we should listen to what is said. We must be good at learning from others’ criticisms and even unreasonable accusations, because this is the way to gain wisdom. When we teach or admonish others, we should also rely on wisdom to distinguish whether the other party can accept it, and we should speak with humility and gentleness. We should not treat others with arrogance, let alone vent anger and dispel hatred. More importantly, we must understand that knowing God is the beginning of all wisdom in life. He enables us to understand the true meaning of life, penetrates all things in life, and enables us to see through the devil’s tricks and save us from the temptations and snares of the devil. To know God is not only to know some knowledge about Him, but more importantly, to worship Him with spirit and truth. Establish a close relationship with God, and walk with Him throughout your life. Only in this way can you gain more wisdom from God.
PRAYER:
Pray for God to give you a heart of reverence, heavenly wisdom, and a humble and gentle heart, so that you can deal with it objectively and calmly when you encounter reproaches or conflicts with others. Don’t get angry, and don’t give place to the devil. Ask God to strengthen your faith and allow you to take every conflict with others as an opportunity to be nurtured by God, and strive to demonstrate Christ’s spirit of reconciliation, sow love where there is hatred, and preach peace where there is conflict.
HYMN:
My Heart is Filled with Thankfulness: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qntf2Y_VNok&ab_channel=KeithandKristynGetty
