Proverbs 15:12 A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.

Scoff, Scoff / Robin Aylor

See if you notice any similarities in these examples with todays text. Some people get fighting mad when others play jokes on them… and yet one of their biggest thrills is to play jokes on others. That’s somewhat ironic I think. Some others like to give to people in need but would be humiliated to receive something from others and be thought of as the ones in need themselves. I’m pretty sure most criminals who enjoy shooting others definitely do not want to be shot themselves. I think it still works.

Our text today is quite similar I think. It talks about a scoffer. A scoffer is proud.. he ridicules, mocks or scorns others… so scoffing can include reproving others in this kind of prideful way. Those who reprove others like this do not want to be reproved themselves.That’s why they won’t go to the wise for counsel. They don’t want the sinfulness of their own heart to be exposed.

Proverbs 5:11-13 looks back on the life of one who did not listen to reproof or discipline. Here’s what it says: 11 and at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, 12 and you say, “How I hated discipline, and my heart despised reproof! 13 I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my instructors.

It may seem strange but a wise man actually loves discipline. Proverbs 12:1 says it clearly: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Seek out Christians who in joy of Christ’s love admit they are sinners. They are the wise ones whose accountability and reproof I love and relish in the Lord.

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