Proverbs 9:6-10
6
Leave your simple ways and you will live;
walk in the way of insight.”
7
Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults;
whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse.
8
Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you;
rebuke the wise and they will love you.
9
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still;
teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.
10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
The book of Proverbs contains short statements of instruction that are easily remembered. Such balanced and wise advice is helpful. The proverbs for today are particularly on point. When considering the wise teachings of God’s Word for today, it is no wonder that nerves are worn and social conduct has frayed.
But, while it is good to be cautious in the way we speak in this contentious age, there is a time to speak. Jesus spoke clearly and faithfully, even when He knew it would bring the contempt and anger of powerful people. Why did Jesus do this?
Jesus, in His prophetic role, called people to repentance and invited them to believe in Him for their salvation. Many people gladly believed in Jesus and loved Him. But, many other people hated Jesus for His words. This was especially true when He showed them their sins. They had no room for His teachings. Why did Jesus bother to instruct them when they would clearly not listen? Especially, when Jesus knew that they would hate Him and later crucify Him?
Jesus came to save sinners from themselves, even though it would mean the cross. Jesus prayed for those who crucified Him and still invites all people to repent and be saved. Through faith in Jesus, His redeeming death, and glorious resurrection, sinners can be saved. Through faith in Jesus we are restored to God and to one another.
Let us pray,
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
I thank you Lord Jesus for boldly preaching the Gospel in the face of terrible opposition. I praise you for the forgiveness of all my sins and the certain promise of eternal life through faith in you. Help me, as you direct me to bear witness, to speak wisely and boldly of your love and redeeming work. In your name I pray, AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.