Proverbs 9:8-10 -- On Reproof and Respect

"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Proverbs 9:8-10


Some good advice here on being careful about correcting people. No need to do so to inspire hatred, so only when someone is really listening and wants to know, for instance in a mentoring or coaching context, should we consider it... and just like we consider these verses from the coach or teacher point of view, should we consider them from the opposite side, as the trainee or learner, both with other people and with God.

I think we all have times where we can't listen to criticism, and often criticism is just meant to tear us down, not build us up, but if we find someone we trust and that loves us, then that sort of kind and gentle reproof can sometimes help and not harm... and we don't get so defensive that we're blocking it all out. :)

God loves us that way, and he wants to help us learn, not tear us down for our mistakes. Fear here isn't referring to being frightened of, but it is an older meaning referring to a healthy respect or awe... recognizing that God knows way, way more than we do, like a parent, coach, or teacher, and being willing to learn from him. The more we learn about him, the closer we can get to understanding how everything fits together. :)

Today, let's try to be good teachers and good learners, and both from a position of love and kindness so that we don't go blowing up relationships. :)