REBUKE: to criticize sharply, reprimand
IMPRESS: to affect, especially forcibly or deeply; to gain the admiration or interest of
DISCERN: to come to know or recognize (via Merriam-Webster.com); to perceive by the sight or some other sense or by the intellect; see, recognize, or apprehend (via Dictionary.com)
FOOL: a person who lacks judgment or sense
How do you respond when others say or do things that you don’t like?
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
Proverbs 17:10 shows a contrast between two different characters – one who is discerning and one who is a fool.
A discerning person recognizes the lesson behind the rebuke; they can see and understand the cause & effect of their actions. With understanding comes the ability to be influenced.
There are several definitions of a fool, and I chose the most grace-filled definition I could find ‘ that of a person who lacks judgment or sense‘ (though I could no find an appropriate, non-offensive photo, so I settled for this Fool tarot card)
10 A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
It could be foolishness, pridefulness or ignorance (or any combination of the three) that gets me into trouble. Sometimes, I don’t know how to get out of the mess I’ve made. And it’s considerably worse when I don’t even recognize the trouble I’m in (or causing).
There is nothing like running pell-mell into disaster, only to have someone jerk you back into safety. Like the safety belt in a car accident, there is an abruptness that is jarring (and often painful), but the benefit outweighs the humility.
I like this scripture because I’m grateful for those who love me enough provide me with wisdom and discernment, even when it comes as a sharp rebuke.
In short, this scripture is my reminder to put my pride to the side to benefit from the wisdom of others.
How does this scripture resonate with you?
