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Here we read a proverb that contrasts the believer with the unbeliever. A true believer will delight in a rebuke that is true correction. It will serve as a learning experience to build upon in the future. Unless a believer is rebuked when necessary by a faithful brother, how can they correct their error?
"Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities. When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet. Our bones are scattered at the grave's mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth. But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute." (Psalm 141:5-8).
A "wise man" or individual of understanding refers to a saved individual. Salvation is a continual learning process; but a fool which is a spiritual picture of an unbeliever, does not understand this. In their pride and self-righteousness they feel they are above correction. This is why they truly are fools, they claim to know the Bible, but it is not evidenced in their lives:
"Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning." (Proverbs 9:8,9).
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