The Right Reaction to Correction
A person's reaction to correction reveals their character, and the right reaction is gratitude, love, and a desire to learn and grow.
Derek Prince emphasizes the importance of how individuals react to correction and reproof, highlighting that one's response reveals their character. Those who respond with anger and rejection are considered mockers and wicked, while those who receive correction with gratitude and love are wise and righteous. It is crucial for each person to reflect on their own reactions to reproof and strive to respond with humility and a teachable spirit.
Text
Proverbs 9:7-9
Whoever corrects a mocker brings on insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. NIV
Nothing sorts out people more sharply and more quickly than their reaction to reproof and instruction. If a person gets angry when he is reproved or instructed, the Bible says he is a mocker. It says he is a wicked man. But if a man is righteous, when he is reproved and instructed, he will be grateful, he will respond with love, he will ask for more.
This poses a question for me that I often face up to and I think each one of us needs to face up to it from time to time. How do I personally react to correction and reproof? Do I get angry? Do I want to answer back? Do I want to throw it away and say, "That isn't right, it isn't fair! I don't deserve that"? I hope not. I hope you don't react like that.
Remember that your reaction to correction and to reproof is going to clearly indicate your character. If you get angry, you reject it. Then you're a mocker, you're a wicked person. I've seen this is true in life. Beware of a wrong reaction to correction.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Correction
- The Right Reaction to Correction
- The Wrong Reaction to Correction
- Anger and rejection of the corrector
- A mocker or wicked person's attitude towards correction
Key Quotes
“Nothing sorts out people more sharply and more quickly than their reaction to reproof and instruction.” — Derek Prince
“If a person gets angry when he is reproved or instructed, the Bible says he is a mocker.” — Derek Prince
Application Points
- Reflect on your own reaction to correction and reproof, and make adjustments to respond with gratitude and love.
- Be aware of your character and how it is revealed through your reaction to correction.
- Desire to learn and grow from correction, rather than becoming defensive or angry.