Proverbs 9:8-9: Delighting in Reproof

"Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning." Proverbs 9:8-9

When's the last time someone reproved or corrected you? When's the last time someone convicted you or told you you were doing something wrong? How did you react? Did you flip out at them? Or did you humbly accept their correction? Did you get angry? Or were you welcoming of their rebuke?

Proverbs 9:8-9 offers us extremely helpful words on the topic of reproof. Reproof is simply the act of someone coming to you and telling you that you did something wrong. We might also define reproof as correction, rebuke, teaching, or conviction. Oftentimes, reproof is something that we don't like because it is other people telling us that we are doing something wrong. However, the Bible shows us a different attitude towards it. The verses above show us that a wise man loves the one who reproves him. How can that be so? you might ask. Well, let me ask you a question: How will you ever overcome your sin without someone showing you where it is? In other words, how will you ever be sanctified (become more like Christ) without someone coming to you and gently showing you where you aren't living like Christ? For surely we cannot be. Thus, we must love those who reprove us and delight in their reproof as the proverb says, that we might become more like Christ.

So, how has your response to reproof been lately? If it has been pure anger and hatred, the Bible says that you are a fool. Christian! I beg you this morning: delight in reproof, for it is a great means by which we are sanctified. Don't neglect correction, love it. For how else will you ever become more like Jesus? Amen.