Proverbs 9:7-9 has some important things being said here. I wish to point out that all of this comes after the discussion of wisdom. In order to do what Proverbs 9:7 says, we are required to have wisdom. Look at the verse. It says that the one who corrects a scoffer gets shame to themselves, and the rebuke of wicked harms himself. This word for correction is found 43 times in the Scriptures and deals with chastening, admonishing, instructing, and disciplining the scoffer. The scoffer then is the one who scorns, a boaster, a mocker, or deride the truth, wisdom, God, etc. Notice what wisdom causes us to realize, if we correct them, we are bringing shame to ourselves!

 

The shame comes because of the individual we are trying to correct. Jesus makes a statement similar in the New Testament at Matthew 7:6. This is giving to something the Jewish people considered unclean that which is good. This is passing off the good things to those who are going to mock, deride and attack us who are sharing. This stems from the mindset and heart of those who are and do reject the truth. It is interesting the word used is shame. It can also be translated as the word ‘blot’. This word is strong and is used twenty-two times and refers to defects (Leviticus 21:21), spots (Job 31:7); or blemish (Deuteronomy 17:1). If we try to correct the scoffers, we ourselves will be hit with the blemish, spots, etc. It is not a good thing.

 

The second part of this text deals with the rebuking of a wicked man. Wait? What! Are we not supposed to call out sins and tell the truth? It does go back to Matthew 7:6, but it also deals with the reality of judging those who are outside the faith. The call for Christians is found in 1 Corinthians 5:12. This is where we must walk a line. There is a time and point to call out those who are on the outside for their sin. But we must be aware of how we do this. There are those who are willing to hear (we will see this play out in Proverbs 9:8), but there is a difference between those in Proverbs 9:7 and Proverbs 9:8. This correction to the wicked man is the one who is against God, literally being hostile to God. The point is not to never tell the truth, but those who are in this state, want nothing to do with truth.

 

However, not everyone is in this state. We find, when we come to Proverbs 9:8, there is a contrast between the scoffer and the wise man. It is wise to never correct a scoffer for they will reject and hate us. The scoffer is one to be hateful and a hater of those who were of God and God Himself. Contrast this to those who were wise. The wise man will hear the correction, and they will thank the corrector. This is a better respond. The love here is one of appreciation, and an act of being a friend. But look at the word, it is the word rebuke. The word means to be judged, to reprove, to correct. Also means to reason with. Those who are in this state, not only love the ones who correct them, but they also, Proverbs 9:9, will become wiser. This not only increases their mind, but it also affects their life and how they live. This wisdom shows itself in their life.

 

The next part is found going to the instruction of teaching a just man. This is interesting because this justness is one who is righteous. This righteousness, Biblically, is having a right standing before God. This word, in the Old Testament is applied to Job (Job 29:12-15), and any who serves God (Malachi 3:18). The just man, when hearing instruction is going to increase learning. They become smarter.

 

What is the lesson for all of this? The lesson is very clear. It is good to give instruction and to correct wrong. But we must be wise about who we are instructing. If it is the scoffer, then it will go bad. It is not worth the energy or the time you will spend trying to get them to heed the instruction. Instead, he will hate you. If you find a wise man, who may not be a Christian, but is willing to listen, then they are good to correct. They are willing to listen and learn from what is being said. These individuals, while they may not be Christian, would be those who are willing to listen to the Gospel. Use the opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel. Lastly, there is the just man. These people are the ones who are saved. They have the right standing before God. As such, these are the brothers and sisters we have in the faith. Therefore, the Scriptures give us great details regarding how to handle this relationship between brothers and sisters in the faith. Therefore, dear reader, as we move through this life, let us do as the Lord tells us in Matthew 10:16. Through how we handle these instances, may the Lord use us to help others to see the truth and come into a right relationship with God the Creator.