Another Great Phrase

Proverbs 15:31 (KJV) The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.

I first read this today in the NASB.  It talked about “life-giving reproof” which is good enough but I like the KJV’s way of saying it, “reproof of life.”  They both convey the same idea but to me one is more memorable.  Maybe you see it differently.

Being corrected is an important part of life.  The one who is never corrected has a great chance of not making it to adulthood.  He also has a definite destination of conceit and living in a fantasy world.

So?  Treasure correction.  Reflect on it.  Of course there is the chance it is off base but an even greater possibility that it could make your life better.  Also treasure the one who cares enough to speak up.  

A Case for Both/And

Proverbs 15:10 (KJV) Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.

At first, I compared this in the KJV to the NKJV.  I saw a clear difference in how it was translated.  As I compare different translations, I saw two ways in which this was viewed.  The first was that for the person who forsakes the way of God correction will be hard to take and severe.  The other is that the person who forsakes of God will not respond well to discipline.

I am guessing that the different translations are more in the attitude of the translator them in the clarity of the text.  After a brief moment of trying to figure out which might be better I realize that this is a case where the Holy Spirit has caused the Bible to be translated in different ways, not showing that we would say either/or, but that we would say both/and.

Notice this is not just condemning the person who makes a mistake or gets a little casual.  This is the person who turns his back and walks away from God.  God is not amused.  Even more than that God realizes this person needs to be smacked hard if they’re going to be brought to the awareness of their need for repentance.

So?  Obviously, the first and most important thing is to be obedient and to serve God with all your heart mind, soul and strength.  I think it would be that if you ever do get smacked down to examine your life and find out if there is a growing belligerence or insensitivity, and you are directing your feet outside of his direction.  Grow in grace.  

Variety of Correction

Proverbs 3:12 (KJV) For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

I think we can say safely that we don’t like correction.  We don’t like it when our spouse does it.  We don’t like it when our friends do it.  We definitely don’t like it from strangers.  But here it’s promising that God will direct us when we need it.

The thing here is that God corrects us because He loves us.  We still don’t like it.  We need to accept it.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could live in anticipation of the glory of God, reaching out and taking the kinks out of our life?

Correction can be gentle.  Correction can be harsh.  Often the degree of pain involved is a reflection of how long we wait to respond.  When you see the stop sign coming, you can gently put your foot on the break and bring the car to a stop.  If you weren’t paying attention and see the sign at the last minute, you have to stand on the break, which can have all kinds of unusual results from spilled coffee to the car being sideways in the intersection.

So?  Assume the correction will happen.  You’re no better than anybody else.  You will make mistakes.  I guess I should say I also make mistakes.  The point is listen early and don’t spoil your coffee. 

Correction

(Pro 28:23 KJV)  He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

I don’t like correcting others.  I also do not like being corrected.  Might I suggest that we change that kind of thinking.  We have been so brainwashed by the concept of “seeker friendly” and trying to win people by being like them that we forget we are not to be conformed to this world.  Part of that picture is rebuking, and being rebuked.  Let me respond to the second part.

We, or should I say “I”, need to learn to be thankful when someone cares enough to tell us we are wrong or misguided.  We need to practice the discipline of listening and hearing.  Take what is said and run it through some prayer time, reading and contemplation.  It may be just noise or gaslighting.  It may be a word from the Lord.

So?  Only you can decide if the word you hear is needed.  Make it a habit to seriously consider it.

Pray for Pain

(Pro 17:10 KJV)  A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

One of the commercials that used to run was a statement that comes from a German proverb I learned in junior high.  The English translation is expressed in the commercial as, “No pain, go gain.”  The reference is to physical training.  If you don’t make your muscles work they will not get stronger.  If you cross a certain line there is discomfort.  I remember that such a simple thing as starting to walk as exercise caused my legs to ache.  

Keep in mind that pain can be good.  We usually associate pain with something being wrong but miss the fact that that is good.  Leprosy is a condition that causes major damage because you stop feeling pain.  I think that diabetics also face severe potential problems with their feet because the nerves stop telling them that something is wrong.  

So?  When someone criticizes you, pay attention.  It could very well be that you need to hear what is being said.  It could have eternal consequences.  It could be healing, but only if it goes deep enough to get to the problem. 

Poor Correction

(Pro 28:11 KJV) The rich man is wise in his own conceit; but the poor that hath understanding searcheth him out.

There is a place for everyone in God’s economy.  There are wealthy people who are good stewards of God’s blessings.  There are poor people who keep the faith even in the struggle.  This is pointing out that the “poor” (1800b) has a responsibility to keep the “rich” (6223) in line.  It is not likely that a poor person will ever get elected president.  He may have started out that way but if he has the qualities to lead the country he will have been successful in other ways.  Our job is to be the child in “The King’s New Clothes”.  

We can see how this works in a democratic system but it is also true in autocratic governments.  Even in the midst of oppression there is buy-in required by the masses.  We have a sacred charge to keep our leaders in line.

So?  This can be applied by voting, where we shop and what we buy.  It can be verbal.  However it applies we are to apply it.

More Needed

(Pro 3:11 KJV) My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

I don’t like being corrected.  Sure, I act like I can be mature about it.  Sometimes I even kid myself, but the first thought that crosses my mind when someone tries to set me straight it, “Oh, yeah?”  I may be calm on the outside but I am less than gracious on the inside.  What makes it even harder is that the person doing the correcting knows me best.

To be honest it is often hard to find someone who will care enough about us to risk our anger.  That means that we need to be seeking correction.  There are two ready sources.  First, the written word stands ready to fill in the gaps of our thinking.  Of course that means we must read it.  Second, the Holy Spirit will bring things to mind and convict.  That is more effective if we are listening.

So?  Realize the value and be open.  That is easy to say and hard to do.  I speak from experience. 

Embrace Your Inner Meany

(Pro 29:17 KJV) Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul.

The verse I looked at yesterday dealt with how children treat their parents.  This verse deals with how parents are to treat their children.  This one lays the foundation for the other.  The action that is demanded of parents and they avoid like the plague is correction (3256).  We don’t want to be the bad cop.  The genuine source of that is the desire to avoid conflict and not wanting to spend the time.  It is reinforced by social pressures that tell us normal discipline is child abuse. 

Our standards are to be those of the Bible, not the American Psychological Association, or whatever they call that organization.  It will never be popular with the garden variety psychologist nor with children born with a carnal nature.  It is still a basic requirement.

So?  Keep in mind that the child that claims you are a meany today will thank you tomorrow.  Okay, maybe not tomorrow.  It may take a few years, but it will come.  If you don’t trust me then do it because God says so. 

The Ayes of the Beholders

(Pro 28:23 KJV) He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

I have always assumed that this verse was talking about the response of the person put on a short leash.  You know, the way a parent tells the little boy, “Someday you will thank me.”  What if that is not the case?  What if this is a matter of the observing congregation or family who are favorable? 

I know I have appreciated it when someone straightens out their obnoxious child.  I also enjoy it when someone calls down a public figure who needs correction.  This should encourage us to take a stand when it is needed.  Too often all we see is the reaction of the target, not the audience.

So?  It would be great if we would do the right thing all the time.  How about once today as a step in the right direction. 

Don’t Waste Your Powder

(Pro 9:7 KJV) He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

This is not telling us to refuse to “reprove” (correct NASB) (3256) or “rebuke” (reprove NASB) (3198).  If you have read your Bible you know that it is expected when the timing is right.  What is being declared is that it is a waste of time on some people. 

You may have noticed that some people refuse to hear your simple English.  It is a rare find if you can locate someone who will admit to being a Calvinist or a liberal.  Or if you really want to find out what it feels like to ram your head against a block wall, find a “journalist” and try to convince them that they have a liberal bias.  The same thing happens when you confront people on spiritual issues they don’t want to hear.

So?  Keep your powder dry but don’t use a rifle to shoot at hornets.  They may need it but you won’t touch them. 

Do You Really Want to Be a Nathan?

(Proverbs 22:11 KJV)  He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

I think most political leaders would focus on the second part of this description.  I am sure that David wishes the prophet Nathan had been a little more “gracious” (2580) when bringing up the king’s infidelity.  I think it is one reason Billy Graham was able to get along with so many different presidents.  If Graham ever approached a president about sensitive issues he must have done it with great gentleness and tact.  That is why the doors always seemed to be open to him.

There are times when we must stand up and be counted.  Those come on occasion.  An every day event is being more gentle in our approach.  The danger we fall into is in not being heard because we are too gentle.  I am not sure if that is our problem or people refusing to listen is the issue. 

So?  Make sure that being a strident voice is not a matter of ego.  People often reject the truth and usually reject it when it is wrapped in self-righteousness.

The Ultimate Discipline

(Proverbs 7:22 KJV)  He goeth after her straightway, as an ox goeth to the slaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the stocks;

The NASB has the phrase “discipline (4148) of a fool (191)”.  I have never noticed it much before but today it sounds disturbing.  If you continue reading you find that his foolishness is not only going to get him into a compromising situation but will send him to hell.  It is the ultimate discipline.  The purpose of discipline is correction.  It is possible for fools to learn and grow.  What is disturbing is that this does not seem to be a high possibility.   It assumes that once you get far down the road to self indulgence and disobedience, the results are fatal.

So?  I guess it seems a no brainer but the word whispered in my ear is, “Do a self check and do what is necessary to get back on track.”  The results will be different for each of us and different each day.  I would hope the results can be the same.

Madman

(Proverbs 26:18 KJV)  As a mad man who casteth firebrands, arrows, and death,

I am glad I never got past childhood day dreams about being a police officer.  From what I pick up the most frequent calls that they get involve domestic disturbance.  That is basically a husband and wife arguing and getting violent so that someone calls the cops.  I also think I have heard that this is the situation in which most cops get hurt.  It seems that the adversaries will turn on the intervening officer and make common cause. 

How often are we tempted to get between two people in an argument.  I will concede that sometimes it is necessary but be wary.  This follows the previous verse that talks about butting in and calls such a person a “madman” (3858b).  The word is not common and as I look at the definitions it seems the madness of the disconnected not so much the violent. 

So?  There are times when we are called to get involved, to correct, rebuke and reprove.  Make sure that you are doing so under the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than the inner fool. 

Be the He

(Proverbs 25:10 KJV)  Lest he that heareth it put thee to shame, and thine infamy turn not away.

There will be times when you and I are expected to be the “he” in this verse.  The issue is gossip.  On some level most of us have been guilty of this at times.  You might think not but then you either need to improve your memory or expand your definition of gossip.  I would hope that you would have repented and changed, either because the Holy Spirit simply brought conviction or you were publicly exposed and didn’t want to experience that again.

In between those two are the times when you and I are expected to step up to the plate for the benefit of the guilty party.  We have this responsibility to each other as part of the family of God.  We are to hold each other accountable.  In the New Testament the words are reprove, rebuke and correct, but we find the concept in the Old Testament also.

(Ezekiel 33:6 KJV)  But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand.

This does not mean running down the street yelling, “Turn or burn!”  It does mean being honest with brothers and sisters in Christ.  Usually this will be people that you have earned the right to speak to.

So?  Be the “he”.  There might be someone who will repent in time because you loved them enough to speak out. 

This Hurts Me More Than It Will Hurt You

(Proverbs 28:23 KJV)  He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

It occurs to me today that we might be a little confused about what it means to “rebuke” (3198) someone.  This comes to mind because my last experience with a group of narcissistic spoiled brats had one special child telling me what a terrible teacher I was.  She says it often and has a routine of thrusting her head forward, rolling her eyes, nodding her head and waving one hand like a magician.  That is not a rebuke.  That is a childish attempt to manipulate me into doing things her way.  I usually tell her, “Nice eye roll.” 

Rebuke is not insult, manipulation or defense mechanism.  Rebuke is sharing something that might be painful but will help the person being spoken to.  We rarely see it and that is a shame.  It is one side of the gift of exhortation.  It is something God does to the faithful.  It is demanded in both the Old and New Testaments.  And instead we try to build self-esteem by praise and complements.

So?  Short term, feel good comments keep us safe but don’t do much to help the person who has a problem.  Love demands that we do what is best for the other person.  Sometimes that is rebuke.  If the rebuke fits, don’t put it back on the rack. 

The Rod Cycle

(Proverbs 26:3 KJV)  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

I don’t know much about horses.  I know less about donkeys.  Unfortunately I know a lot about “fools” (3684).  The scary thing about fools is that they don’t realize what they are.  I could be a fool and not be aware of it.  Does a horse know it is a horse?  Does a donkey know it is a donkey?  One of the differences between animals and humans is self awareness. 

Sometimes I feel like I am too self-aware.  I say “feel” because in reality that is often just feeling sorry for myself.  I have cycles I go through.  The advantage for me in getting older is that I recognize the cycle and know how to hold on until things start to feel better again.  I can even speed up the improvement part of the cycle.  I do that by focusing on the things of God.  I remember that God is on the throne.  I look back at how He has worked in history and in my life.  And, to be honest, some times God shakes His head, knows I am being a fool, and uses the “rod” (7626) on me.

So?  Often when the rubber hits the road and the rod hits my back it is time to slow down, listen to what God is trying to say and make some changes.  I can’t help you with your rod moments.  You can’t help me with mine, unless you are the rod.  If you are, then thank you. 

Save Your Thunder

(Proverbs 9:8 KJV)  Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.

For two verses Solomon has addressed how we respond to the “scorner" (scoffer NASB) (3917b).  In an ideal world this person would be outside the church.  Notice here that the contrast is with the “wise man” (2450) and it is understood that you cannot really be wise if you do not fear God.  In that sense we should rein in our attempts to correct the public.  We are reminded that the average modern man is not interested in us telling him what is right and wrong.

It would also apply in the church.  I would tend to feel that the kind of person being referred to here is one who attends and may even make claims to being a Christian but denies any doctrine or discipline that limits their freedom to do whatever they want.  In this net you have those who claim that sex outside of marriage is fine as long as you “love” each other.  They might deny the resurrection because they are too enlightened to believe myths.  I guess we are limited in what we can do for them.  Notice however it does not say we cannot excommunicate them.

So?  Save your thunder for those who might listen.  To be blunt, Jesus said,

(Matthew 7:6 KJV)  Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.

That applies even is they are in the same Sunday School class. 

Response Time

(Proverbs 14:35 KJV)  The king's favour is toward a wise servant: but his wrath is against him that causeth shame.

When people get angry with us we go two opposite directions.  Sometimes, and some people, we get angry right back.  We sink to their level and imitate their behavior.  Not good.  Sometimes we get defensive and make excuses.  We point the finger many ways.  Any direction will do as long as it is not pointed at me.

What does not often occur to us is that we deserve the anger.  Well, maybe not the actual anger but at least some strong criticism.  When we mess up we want people to be understanding.  When they mess us up we want the king’s wrath to come down on their heads. 

So?  It is hard but stop for a moment and consider if the criticism is justified.  I am working on this.  Regardless of how I respond at the moment I try to review the criticism at a calmer moment and honestly look at what part is justified and what is hormonal.  Usually it is a combination of both. 

Beating the Hades Out of Him

(Pro 23:14 KJV)  Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.

You have heard people use an expression like “beat the hell out of him.”  That type of approach is not what is being advocated here.  This is saying that pain is a legitimate teacher.  Fear of pain is a tool of emotional and intellectual growth.  You don’t believe it?  How many times do you have to bump your head before you learn to duck.  When I got my first bifocals it took me several major raps on the head to learn to duck when I went into the garage.  The garage door does not need to smack me any more.  I have learned my lesson.

Discipline teaches that there are consequences for bad behavior.  We teach children this principle on the small issues of life.  If they learn it, they transfer the lesson to the eternal issues.  They are saved from experiencing eternal head bumping. 

You are beating him out of “hell” (7585), not beating hell out of him.

So?  Ignore the social workers.  Ignore the culture.  Draw lines for your children and don’t let them cross without an awareness that there are consequences.  If you can’t understand the difference between legitimate discipline and brutal abuse then maybe you shouldn’t have or deal with children.

How Do We Respond?

(Pro 26:3 KJV)  A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.

What will it take for you to obey?  Maybe you don’t have trouble with it.  That is good but it is much more common for people to find ways around what God wants for us.  Solomon picks three common sights that people in his day would see.  Each one is doing the bidding of someone else.  Only the ruling classes could afford horses.  Only the comfortable could support a donkey.  Only the most desperate would hire a fool.  All needed to be controlled.  None were of use when left to their own devises.

We don’t see it in this chapter but a more common title for the obedient is son or faithful servant.  Even they need correction at times.

So?  Has God been trying to get your attention?  Ask yourself if you are responding like a horse, a donkey, a fool or an obedient child.  The day will come when Satan and his followers will be cast into the lake of fire.  I like to think that correction now is better than destruction then.