May 3 - A Wise Reprover.

Proverbs 25:12
“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
 
Our desire to do right will create within us a hunger for the reproof of wise counsel.
Proverbs 9:9
“Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
 
It makes a difference when reproof comes from a wise person.
We seem to be more obedient and take the reproving more to heart when it comes from someone we look up to – a spiritual leader or authority figure.
 
A wise reprover gives reproof in love.
In order for it to be taken well and have a positive effect, reproof must be given in love and not pride.
 
Proverbs 28:23
“He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.”
 
The wise reprover desires a positive outcome as a result of giving reproof to the obedient ear that receives it.
 
Proverbs 9:8
“Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
 
Sometimes our flesh gets in the way and causes us to reprove without consent from the Lord. Likewise, there are also times where our flesh causes us to not take reproof in a wise manner whatsoever. Pride creeps in when we react in rage or rebuke rather than receiving the reproof gracefully and gratefully.
 
Proverbs 15:31-32
“The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”
 
Psalm 141:5
“Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.”
 
Who has the Lord used as a wise reprover in your life?
It is wise to have one, and to be one.
 
 
Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 7-8  |  Romans 6  |  Proverbs 3