The funny thing about Proverbs is it says to go out there and get wisdom (4:7) and you can only truly get wisdom through experience and some of those experiences are not always the most enjoyable.
One of mine would have to be my gung ho approach to certain controversial topics.
Proverbs 9:7
Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.
Proverbs 11:12
Whoever belittles his neighbors lacks sense, but a man of understanding (wisdom) remains silent.
Proverbs 13:1
A wise son hears his fathers instructions, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding but only expressing his opinion
I was that fool. And yes this experience hurt but I'm wiser for it now. I've learned from my mistakes, and will strive to be more cautious with my words and actions.
Proverbs 9:8-10
Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, (1:7) and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.
My focus needs to be on my brother and sisters in Christ. In lifting them up and guiding them with my knowledge. And in return learning from them as well.
I understand that we as Christians notice the things happening around us and get this overheating desire to save. We don't do the saving. God does. Leave it to him and simply tell everyone the Gospel and God will work within their hearts in his time.
Don't you remember who you used to be before you were saved? How far you've come? How much time it took to change certain things about yourself and life style?
Give God the time, and be loving, patient and full of grace.
Christ came down as the ultimate unblemished lamb blood sacrifice. Took on the punishment for all of our sins (past present and future) so that we would never be separated from God by those sins. He opened the door for us to have a relationship with God for eternity.
God is nothing but patient and gracious with us, waiting for his sons and daughters to come home.
I encourage you guys to read Proverbs. Its a great book full of lots of cross over and reiteration of various points that really helps open you eyes to your own heart condition.
Prayers and love 💛
