The Test Of Criticism

Read Proverbs 9

Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt.

Proverbs 9:7

One of the first lessons every lifeguard learns is that it is extremely dangerous to try to save a struggling, thrashing person in danger of drowning. Such a person, desperate and unable to think clearly, often lashes out and pulls the would-be rescuer under as well.

In many ways, this is a good example of today’s proverb. A wise, discerning person notices someone making foolish, perhaps even dangerous, choices. The wise person moves in to warn of danger. Instead of quietly and humbly taking this verbal rope (and being pulled to safety), the endangered one lashes back with angry, even personal, insults. He is unteachable and—barring a miraculous change—unreachable.

We can pray for the stubborn and foolish, but in truth, we really can’t help them until they are willing to quit fighting and listen to what God says.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Count the cost before you rebuke.

Today, Lord, grant me the wisdom to hear the truth in any criticism I receive, and please show me when I need to try to intervene in the lives of others.