DON’T TRY TO CORRECT THE MOCKERS
“So, don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you” (Proverbs 9:8 NLT).
A woman came up to me asking for advice in her marriage, and she said something like this, “I know that you are a very wise pastor and a man of God…” However, the moment I helped her see some of her mistakes like the continuous outbursts of anger, her unhealthy jealousy and her selfish attitude that needed to change, suddenly, her appreciation and respect towards me changed. She no longer saw me as the wise pastor, and she got offended with the church.
There are people who don’t want to hear the truth, because they do not want to change. These individuals live in their own fantasy world where, from their point of view, everyone is wrong and they are right.
The Bible calls these kinds of people mockers, fools and scoffers, and it says not to correct them because all you’ll earn is their hatred.
Nonetheless, there are others who are more intelligent and wise, they receive advice in the opposite way, they thank you and you earn their appreciation.
“Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn even more” (Proverbs 9:9 NLT).
Don’t waste your time or saliva with a “deaf” mocker who only wants to hear their echoes. In other words, they only want to hear you say the same thing they told you, even if they are wrong.
By the way, this also applies to you. When someone considers you wise, they will correct you for your own good, but when they consider you a mocker they won’t tell you anything. Pay attention and watch if others feel comfortable or afraid to come close to you and warn you.
Think about it:
What kind of person does your spouse and friends consider you, wise or foolish?
When was the last time someone corrected you?