Proverbs 9:7-9 He that reproves a scorner gets to himself shame: and he that rebukes a wicked man gets himself a blot. Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
‘Scorner’ [Hebrew: luwts] to make mouths at; to scoff; to mock (Ps. 1:1; Pro. 1:22; 3:34; 9:7). Anyone that rejects, jokes or makes light of the Word of God.
‘Wicked’ [Hebrew: rasha‛] lawlessness (Isa. 57:20-21). All classes of the wicked are like the troubled sea that cannot be still and constantly stirs up the mire and dirt of sin and corruption. They have no peace (Isa. 57:20-21), no calmness of soul or spirit; their passions and appetites keep them in continual turmoil seeking something satisfying; the wealth, business, pleasure, pride, pomp, flattery, and unrest of the world only keep them dissatisfied; and strong undercurrents of malice, jealousy, lust, revenge, strife, and ambitions to outdo others keep them at war with God and fellowmen. The guilt of a past life and the burning memories of wrongdoing agitate the sinner day and night to cover up his evil, but he cannot escape the fear of hell and future reaping.
‘Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee.’ This scripture is a great warning to all Christians not to rebuke those who reject the Word of God, because it will end in them making a mockery of you and the Scripture and they will not heed your rebuke, because ONLY the Holy Spirit can convict others of sin (John 16:7-11). Matthew 7:6 confirms this truth and gives the result if you persist in this warning: “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast you your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn again and rend you.” Do not force truth upon rebels who reject it, or give holy things to faultfinders, mote hunters, or evil speakers. To rebuke a sinner (Matt. 7:1-6; Rom. 2:1-11) means you condemn and judge them for what they chose and it leads to condemnation instead of conviction (Rom. 8:1).
To be continued…
Living the Word 