Proverbs 17:10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise man, Than a hundred blows on a fool. (NKJV)
A wise person is more affected by a single word of correction, than a foolish person is by a beating.
Godly correction comes primarily through the study of God’s Word. He may also impart it by prayer, circumstances or through the words of other people, but spiritual rebuke comes mainly through Scripture (2Tim 3.16-17).
The ease in which Godly redirection is accepted by us directly parallels the depth of wisdom we possess. Why? Because no matter what level of maturity we have reached in the Lord, there isn’t any portion of Scripture that, if studied, meditated on and properly applied, cannot transform us more into the image of Christ. The person who recognizes this truth, is always alert to how God’s Word is asking them to change.
For the wise Christian, one convicting truth from scripture affects more response than a severe beating does from a fool. Which of us has not known a hard-headed, stubborn, prideful person who is unmoved by admonishment? This person takes pride in defending their “right” to do whatever they want. They proudly proclaim their independence of all judgment and standards while brandishing harsh words towards those who would dare confront them.
We live in a world today where any confrontation or denunciation of sin is labeled “intolerant”, “judgmental” and “self-righteous”. A person is considered weak if they don’t ardently defend their right to do whatever they want “as long as it doesn’t harm anyone else”. What foolishness.
For Christians, the opposite is true. We should constantly be sensitive to God’s Word convicting us about our attitudes and behavior. We should be ready to change anything in our life at the slightest hint of non-conformity to God’s Holiness.
You may get a fool to change some things externally as the result of a good beating. But his heart will not change. One convicting word of correction to a wise Christian will result in a change of heart that will spill out externally as well.
Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise. (NKJV)
Notice the fool is right in his own eyes. The Christian does not look to himself as the judge of what is right, but to God. We seek wisdom from another source. We are only right if we are right in God’s eyes. How do you become a wise Christian?
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (NKJV)
God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in faith, not doubting (James 1.6). Ask the Lord to give you wisdom and humility. Remember…
Wisdom is not just knowledge,
it is APPLIED knowledge.
Wisdom knows when God’s Word is challenging our life. A challenge or conviction is a rebuke to our Spirit-led conscience. A Godly rebuke should change your life, instead of offend you. And you won’t need that beating.
Father in Heaven, we ask You in faith, not doubting for Godly wisdom. Soften our hearts and make us sensitive to the corrections we need make in our lives. We pray for humility and commitment that will bring about effective change in our hearts when confronted with the truth of Your Word. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Contemplation: Are you easily changed and affected by God’s Word? Or does it take a good beating to get your attention?
Application: There is peace and blessing in being soft hearted, wise and willing to change. Be sensitive to the truth of God’s Word and be willing to change whatever is necessary.
- What is the most obvious Bible truth you have learned today?
- What change in your life needs to be made concerning this truth?
- What specific thing will you do today to begin that change?