“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.” Proverbs 9:7
We all have a limited amount of time and energy. Wisdom says to spend them both on productive people and not destructive ones. Verbal sparring with a proud person only invites insult. It is better to ignore their venomous venting, than try to reason with them. Do your best, stay focused on the task and trust your reputation with the giver of reputations, your Savior Jesus. Mockers only look to stir things up in the moment. They have no long-term solutions, so avoid their cynical crazy cycle. A mockers mind is already made up, and will not change regardless of the wise rationale. There are those who return evil for good, so do not go there, or you may end up in despair. Jesus says of the caustic cynic who is full of pride, “Let them alone, they are blind guides of the blind. And if a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit” (Matthew 15:14, NASB).
Furthermore, what about a family member who seems to be hurtling down a path of destruction? Specifically, you may have a teenager, or adult child, whose entire focus is on friends and the exercise of freedom. They seem to have rejected all common sense and Christ-like influences. First of all, focus on their heart with love and acceptance. If you battle over the external it will be messy and costly. However, if they change from the inside out their transformation is beautiful and enduring. Ask them to pray, and ask the Lord what He thinks about their decisions and choice of friends. Direct them back to Scripture as their Savior’s standard for living. Above all, pursue a peaceful and patient attitude in prayer. Our most significant battles are spiritual, and they are won or lost on our knees. The Holy Spirit will lead you in when to speak, what to say and when to remain silent. Everyone wins when you value the relationship over winning the argument. The Bible says, “Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you” (Proverbs 9:8).
Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 30:7-9; Proverbs 23:9; Matthew 7:6; Matthew 22:4-6
Transformational Living
What relationship do I need to give over to the Lord and quit striving over?
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