Proverbs 9:6-8 (ESV)
6 Leave your simple ways, and live,
and walk in the way of insight.”
7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse,
and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;
reprove a wise man, and he will love you.
Wisdom appeals to the “simple,” asking them to repent and find eternal life. Even the gullible can get on the good path when they respond rightly to Wisdom, putting her truths into practice. But a scoffer is unteachable. The scoffer thinks she knows all and has no need for additional insight. In her anger, the scoffer will abuse the wise, speaking disdainfully about the one who attempts to correct her. The wicked see no error in their ways and believe they have done nothing wrong. It’s everyone else who needs help, not them. In contrast, there is value in correcting the wise woman. Because she fears God, she prizes direction and reproof. Do you consider yourself wise? If so, you must be characterized by the ability to take criticism and correction well. The wise woman would never say, “I have done nothing wrong,” but would instead acknowledge her room for growth, continually seeking closer alignment with God’s standard for her life.