+DEV+ Love That Corrects

Date: June 5, 2013 10:02 PM
Topic: +DEV+  Love That Corrects

Love That Corrects

"Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." (Proverbs 9:8)
Scripture Focus: Proverbs 3:1-18

Is criticism really constructive or destructive? Proverbs 9:8 says it depends on who is receiving the instruction. The scoffer is the fool who has said in his heart, "There is no god." That is about the same as saying, "No one tells me what to do!" The wise person knows that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

In the first six chapters of Proverbs, the wise son hears, seeks, receives, retains, applies, and rejoices in the counsel and instruction of his parents. The implication couldn't be plainer: We've a lot to learn if we are going to walk wisely in our Christian faith.

And yet, when someone loves us enough to faithfully wound us as a friend, we go down fighting and defending rather than rejoicing and loving the one courageous enough to care. Rather than run from all conflict and correction, the only regret we should have is when someone doesn't feel safe and comfortable enough to show us our fault. He or she may be the very instrument God is using to bring us closer to Him.

Insight: "He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." (Proverbs 15:32)




Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship and Bible study groups.