Watch out for The Scoffer!

"Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse; whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt. A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you."

(Proverbs 9:7-8)

Psychologists tell us that the average person needs to hear 5 positive compliments before they can receive one constructive compliment. None of us enjoy criticism... but if it's done out of love (and by someone we trust), then hopefully we can take it to heart, and make the necessary corrections in life.

In the book of Proverbs, chapter 9, we're told that there are basically just 2 kinds of people: the wise and the scoffer. The wise receive correction ("rebuke") and respond in love. The scoffer, on the other hand, will lash out, abuse and hurt you when corrected. Basically, they'll hate you for it, says the writer.

Which makes sense, of course. My understanding of a "scoffer" is that s/he seems to be "negative" and mostly focused in themselves. But it also sets us free, if you think about it. Meaning, if we're going to offer correction to someone (out of love, not bitterness or resentment), and they DO NOT receive it well... well, don't take it personally. It's not us, it's them. (Just make sure we're offering the correction from a place of love).

But at the same time, when WE are corrected, this is a call for us not to be defensive. It's hard, of course (nobody likes correction). But if we truly want to be wise... and grow... and change... we need to receive rebuke with grace.

So may it be.