The Mockers and the Wise
Friday - October 9th
Scripture to Read Today: Proverbs 9:1-18
So don't bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.
Proverbs 9:8 NLT
During their games this past weekend, two different players on track to score touchdowns didn't, because they slowed down ever so slightly to taunt and mock their opponents. They each flashed the deuces (holding up a two-finger peace sign). Both players' teams lost their respective games.
University of Kentucky running back Asim Rose flashed the deuces against Ole Miss Saturday before he was tackled well short of the end zone. Earlier the same day, Abilene Christian's Lionell McConnell took the ball on a jet sweep against Army, hit the corner, and decided to show the Army defenders the deuces. Well, it didn't go very well for him, either. He, too, was tackled before he scored what should have been an easy touchdown. Both college players mocked their opponents by flashing the deuces, thinking they could not be stopped. Like most mockers, they demonstrated their foolishness.
The Book of Proverbs has much to say about mockers. Proverbs contrasts mockers to the wise. Those who are wise find tremendous success and satisfaction in life compared to mockers and fools.
Proverbs 9:8 tells us that it is useless to try to correct a mocker. They will only hate you and scoff more. But, the wise will embrace correction. The verse says they will even love you for it. One way to know if someone is wise or not is to watch their reaction to being corrected. Embracing correction demonstrates wisdom. Rejecting it signifies the person is a mocker or scoffer.
As you look at your own life, how do you handle correction from others? When someone tries to provide you constructive criticism or make you aware of a shortcoming, how do you react? People who want to grow and learn will welcome the input. They will demonstrate wisdom. People that are content with who they are and have no desire to grow will reject outside input from others regarding their behavior. Which best describes your reaction to the observation of others?
Take the time in the next few days to open yourself up for input from others. Be humble enough to learn and grow. In doing so, you will develop a greater appetite for wisdom.
Mockers never learn. They reject input from others. Be wise. Embrace correction and helpful criticism.