For two verses Solomon has addressed how we respond to the “scorner" (scoffer NASB) (3917b). In an ideal world this person would be outside the church. Notice here that the contrast is with the “wise man” (2450) and it is understood that you cannot really be wise if you do not fear God. In that sense we should rein in our attempts to correct the public. We are reminded that the average modern man is not interested in us telling him what is right and wrong.
It would also apply in the church. I would tend to feel that the kind of person being referred to here is one who attends and may even make claims to being a Christian but denies any doctrine or discipline that limits their freedom to do whatever they want. In this net you have those who claim that sex outside of marriage is fine as long as you “love” each other. They might deny the resurrection because they are too enlightened to believe myths. I guess we are limited in what we can do for them. Notice however it does not say we cannot excommunicate them.
So? Save your thunder for those who might listen. To be blunt, Jesus said,
(Matthew 7:6 KJV) Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.That applies even is they are in the same Sunday School class.
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