So don’t bother correcting mockers;
Proverbs 9:8 NLT
they will only hate you.
But correct the wise,
and they will love you.
This proverb divides people into two general categories: mockers and wise. And according to this proverb, you can tell them apart based on how they receive correction.
In this proverb, a mocker is one who is convinced they are right and is unwilling to accept any potential correction to their position. What they are proclaiming as truth could be a doctrinal position within Christianity. But it could just as easily be about some social or political stance they have taken.
The previous proverb said that when you correct a mocker, you will get an insult in return. This proverb says that they will hate the one who offers correction. In essence, the mocker is unwilling to listen to any contrary position and will only mock and insult in return. So, there is no sense in even attempting to correct them.
In contrast to the mocker is a wise person. This person may have just as deeply held positions. However, unlike the mockers, they are open to the possibility of being wrong and are willing to listen to contrary positions. They are more interested in knowing the truth than just being right.
Unlike the mocker, who is described as hating the one who offers correction, the wise person loves—or appreciates—the one who offers correction. They love to learn and love those who facilitate that learning.
There are at least two things we can take away from this proverb. First, which one of these am I? Am I wise and open to correction? Do I listen to contrary positions, seeking greater understanding? Or am I a mocker, close-minded to any position other than what I am already convinced of, and respond to any potential correction with dismissal or insult?
The second takeaway offers advice for correcting both mockers and the wise. When you offer correction or share a contrary position with someone, and they respond with outright rejection or insult, you might as well not continue. Instead, focus on sharing with those who are receptive and open to learning and potentially have something to teach in return.
