Don't be a mocker, be wise (10 mins.)
Life is full of moments when we are forced to make decisions that can shape our future. Many times, to make these decisions correctly, we need to listen to and analyze advice that others can offer us with love or experience.
However, we are not always willing to accept or process that advice in the best way. Sometimes we react with ridicule or rejection when someone points out a specific flaw or error to us.
Precisely, the theme of this speech is to reflect on the attitude of the mocker, who does not accept correction, and contrast it with the attitude of the wise man, who values and appreciates advice.
But the question is: why do we tend to reject advice? It is often difficult for us to accept that we have made a mistake, especially if the person correcting us points out a specific defect or error.
In fact, the Bible itself warns us about the attitude that the mocker has when receiving advice.
The mocker does not accept advice and on top of that he is offended by whoever gives it to him.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 9:7-8
He who rebukes the mocker attracts disgrace, and he who corrects the wicked will be harmed. 8Do not correct a mocker, for he will hate you. Correct the wise man, and he will love you.
This passage highlights the difficulty of correcting someone who adopts an arrogant or mocking posture. The mocker does not focus on the teaching he could receive, but is offended and even categorically rejects any observation that calls into question his actions or decisions.
The result: the person who tried to help ends up being frowned upon or belittled. It's like trying to offer a precious commodity to someone who not only despises it, but attacks the person who offers it to them.
This type of reaction is often born from wounded pride. Acknowledging a flaw or fault requires humility and willingness to change.
LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 7:9
Do not be quick in your spirit to be offended, for anger is in the hearts of fools.
And that means understanding that not all the advice we receive is intended to humiliate or hurt us. However, the natural inclination can lead us to put up a defensive barrier, to question the authority of the person who advises us, or even to mock the person who dared to correct us.
The mocker believes that his prestige or personal worth will be shaken if he accepts corrections. But this attitude comes at a high cost. The opportunity to grow, to mature and to establish relationships based on mutual respect is lost.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 9:12
If you become wise, you will be wise for your own benefit; If you are a mocker, only you will suffer the consequences.
The mocker, by refusing to change, ends up carrying the consequences of his own foolishness. You isolate yourself from potential friends, discourage others from helping you, and in the long run, you may be left without the support and trust of those who could have been a great addition to your life.
The wise person appreciates advice and values the person who gives it.
Scripture not only identifies the mocker, but highlights the conduct of the wise. This principle is beautifully illustrated in the following text.
LET'S READ PROVERBS 9:8-9
Do not correct the mocker, because he will hate you. Correct the wise man, and he will love you. 9Give instruction to a wise man, and he will become wiser. Teach someone righteous, and his knowledge will increase.
What does this attitude imply? Humility. Recognizing that we are not perfect is a first step. But, as mentioned, it is not enough to say it in a general way: we must be prepared for someone to point out a particular error and, instead of being offended, be able to analyze what they told us and apply the correction if it is valid.
A notable example of this quality is found in the story of Job. Despite being a man of great experience and maturity, he came to have a wrong way of thinking at a critical moment in his life.
However, Job 32:2, 6, 7 shows that he accepted the correction, even when it came from a younger man, Elihu. This act of humility shows that wisdom does not depend on age, but on the willingness to learn at all times and of any person.
Humility is an essential factor in receiving advice. Recognizing our imperfections leads us to admit that, sometimes, we can act or think in the wrong way. But also, for advice to be effective, we need to see it as a demonstration of love or genuine interest. God himself, according to the biblical perspective, provides us with this advice for the purpose of our growth.
The wise man wins, but the mocker suffers the consequences.
However, sometimes the way we are given advice may not be the best. It is true that the person who advises should do so with tact and empathy, as Galatians 6:1 suggests. But, as recipients of advice, we must focus more on the message than on the way it is presented to us. When we are humble, we don't just look at the way we speak, but at the content that can help us improve.
Instead of justifying our shortcomings, we sensibly explore the possibility that our behavior requires adjustment. This act of humility is precisely what makes us grow internally.
The photograph that illustrates our activity guide shows a group of people sharing in a relaxed atmosphere, enjoying food and conversation. An older woman is seen talking to a younger woman, while two other people – a man and another woman – interact in the background. You can also see a waiter attentive to his work. This scene conveys a climate of harmony and mutual respect.
It is easy to imagine that advice, anecdotes and experiences could be exchanged at that table. Possibly, the older woman is sharing her wisdom or some life lesson, and the younger woman listens with attention and respect.
The attitude of the person receiving the advice, reflected in his calm gesture, suggests a willingness to learn: a visual lesson of how we should behave when someone with experience or genuine interest in our well-being offers us an observation or advice.
Humility and receptivity promote peace and trust in any relationship, whether family, work or friendship. If we cultivate listening, modesty, and gratitude for those who are kind enough to correct us, we will reap peace, gratitude, and progress.
So, let's not be mocking, let's be wise.
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