May 28, 2015: SOAP #2002:

Scripture: Proverbs (NIV) 9:7 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

Observation: Wisdom offered to the wise is accepted with appreciation, even when it comes as a rebuke. Being wise, they recognize wisdom. It increases their wisdom. Wisdom offered to the foolish is not appreciated. They are offended. They receive rebukes as though someone is trying to run their life. They ask, “Who do they think they are to tell me what to do!”

Application: This verse speaks to me, not as a giver of wisdom, but a receiver of wisdom. I want to be a person who can receive wisdom. I want wise people to speak into my life. If I receive their wisdom with appreciation, they will feel free to give me more wisdom!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, absolutely no one on earth is as wise as you! Your wisdom is always welcome in my life. Holy Spirit, help me to be wise in recognizing the wisdom that others bring into my life. Amen