Be a Joyful Target

(Proverbs 17:10 KJV)  A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.

I don’t know about you but I don’t like to be the target of a “reproof" (rebuke, NASB) (1606).  I can nod my head wisely when someone else is the receptor but I tend to resist rather than accept.  This again reminds me that I am wrong to be that way.

Correction “entereth" (goes deeper, NASB) (5181) into some people easier than others.  From the context here I would assume that is a good thing.  It may not feel like it, but it is.  It is good if we have established an openness to what others have to say.  I have observed something when I am watering on a hot day.  If I go to an area of sun baked dirt and turn the full blast of the water on the ground it seems like a crust forms and the water runs off.  If I give it a light sprinkle first it seems to prepare the ground to allow the water to penetrate and quench the thirst of the land.  Maybe if we were open to the mild rebukes we would be open to the words that need to get through our defenses so that we can grow spiritually.

Responding to correction shows how much of a “wise" (understanding, NASB) (995) {end} man we are.  One benefit of real understanding is that we are better positioned to evaluate the rebuke.  Understanding in Proverbs implies a degree of wisdom and when someone is trying to “straighten me out” I need to be able to honestly examine what they have said.  Sometimes it will be rejected.  Often it should be applied to our lives and souls.

So?  I need to be more open to correction.  It is one of the ways that God speaks to us and helps us to become more like Him.  My guess is I am not the only one.