Gold Nugget
Verse 8: “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”
Commentary
To rebuke or not to rebuke… that is the question. Two things should be sufficient to decide when you should not rebuke someone. First, when the person being confronted will not benefit or learn from your rebuke, it might not be your job to rebuke them. Consider the first part of today’s “gold nugget”, “Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;” When you know for certain that the person is not open to receive instruction, do not proceed for your own satisfaction. If there is someone else being lead astray with their folly, it may be appropriate to speak up for their benefit.
The second condition that should prevent you from rebuking someone is whether or not you can administer it with love. If you are not doing it out of love, not only will it affect the delivery, but it is evident that you are not the right person for the job. So, when is the right time to rebuke? Take the wrong time to rebuke already mentioned and use the same steps. When either the person being confronted or others affected by the issue could benefit or learn from your rebuke, then proceed with love. Consider the second part of today’s “gold nugget”, “Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.”
Prayer
Lord, I know there is an appropriate time to confront someone. Help me to have the wisdom and love to know when it is the right time and when it isn’t my place . Amen
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