Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding
Than a hundred blows into a fool.
If you have ever tried to correct someone who doesn't want correction you understand the meaning and application of this proverb. You will ask yourself time and time again, "How many times do I have to tell you?" The answer is 100s. To someone who doesn't want to be corrected, no amount of correction can change them. In contrast, a single rebuke goes deep into someone who desires to be understood. You don't have to, or shouldn't have to, multiply correct a person who wants to be holy and righteous. One rebuke to them is like multiple corrections to a fool. You can tell a lot about a person's character by how much you have to correct them. Those who respond to correction are those who desire understanding. Those who don't are fools. A great example of this is David after he had the affair with Bathsheba and arranged to have her husband killed. Nathan the prophet came to him with one parable and he recognized his sin:
2 Samuel 12:13-15 (ESV)
David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.” And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die. Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the LORD, the child who is born to you shall die.” Then Nathan went to his house.
David's Child Dies
And the LORD afflicted the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and he became sick.
Some who demonstrates the opposite of this might be David’s predecessor, Saul. He was rebuked repeatedly and never repented. He kept making excuses after excuses. When we take rebuke we will be corrected and can grow. It shows we have wisdom. When we reject wisdom, rebukes, we are fools.
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