Don’t Rebuke The Mockers
Rebuking the wise will love you
Proverb 9:8 from the Bible says: “Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.”
This proverb encourages people to use discernment and choose their words wisely when giving criticism or advice. It suggests that when dealing with people who are mocking or belittling others, it is not always effective to rebuke them as they may become defensive and resentful. On the other hand, if you give feedback to someone who is wise and receptive, they are more likely to appreciate and learn from your advice.
The more you rebuke the wise, the more he/she becomes sage
The proverb “Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you” carries a valuable lesson in interpersonal communication. It teaches us that not everyone is receptive to criticism or feedback and that our approach should depend on the person’s character and level of wisdom.
The first part of the proverb advises against rebuking mockers or people who belittle others. This is because such individuals may have a defensive or negative attitude towards criticism, which can result in resentment and hatred towards the person providing the feedback. This highlights the importance of understanding the person’s personality and approach before giving them feedback.
In contrast, the second part of the proverb encourages rebuking the wise. People who are wise are more likely to be open-minded, receptive, and willing to learn. They appreciate constructive feedback and view it as an opportunity to improve themselves. This approach leads to a positive outcome, as the person receiving the feedback will value and appreciate the giver of such advice.
Applying this proverb in real life situations can be challenging. It requires us to be observant of the person’s behavior and attitude before giving feedback. It is essential to identify the right moment and the appropriate way to approach the person. For instance, when dealing with a mocker, it may be necessary to find common ground with them, so they are more receptive to your feedback.
On the other hand, when dealing with a wise person, it is necessary to provide constructive criticism in a respectful and empathetic manner. Such feedback should focus on helping the person improve rather than belittling or criticizing them.
In conclusion, the proverb “Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you” highlights the importance of being discerning and choosing the right approach when giving feedback to others. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the person’s character and level of wisdom, as well as the need to provide feedback in a respectful and empathetic manner. By applying this lesson, we can foster healthy relationships and create a positive impact on the people we interact with.
A living example for us
Let’s say you work in a team where one of your colleagues, Sarah, tends to belittle other team members and their work. She frequently mocks their ideas, and her behavior has caused resentment and tension among team members. You have noticed that Sarah tends to become defensive and hostile when people confront her about her behavior.
Applying the proverb, you understand that directly rebuking Sarah for her behavior might not be effective. Instead, you decide to approach her in a different way. You begin by finding common ground with her and acknowledging her strengths and contributions to the team.
Once you have established a positive connection, you can then provide constructive feedback about her behavior. You might start by expressing how her behavior is affecting the team and the work environment, and then suggest alternative ways she can approach her interactions with team members.
By using this approach, you are more likely to get a positive response from Sarah. She will appreciate the feedback and be more likely to take it on board, rather than becoming defensive and resentful.
In this example, the proverb is applied by not rebuking the mocker (Sarah) directly, but by finding common ground and approaching the situation in a respectful and empathetic manner. The feedback is given in a way that acknowledges Sarah’s wisdom and contributions, making her more receptive to the feedback and improving the overall dynamics of the team. Thanks for reading, if you like my article please write your comment or put 50 claps then if ever subscribe here or visit my blog.
“Honesty is the best policy”
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