#1330. Proverbs 9:7–9 – Wisdom welcomes correction (15/8/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, from Proverbs 9:7–9, we reflect on the difference between how the wise and the foolish respond to correction. While the proud resist rebuke, the wise receive it as a gift.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”(Proverbs 9:7–9)
i. Correction reveals character
How we respond to correction says a lot about us. Do we instantly get defensive? Shut down? Lash out? Or are we willing to listen and grow? Proverbs draws a stark contrast: the mockers and wicked react with hostility and hate, while the wise and righteous receive correction with love and humility. Wisdom isn’t just knowing the right thing—it’s having the character to be taught, even when it stings.
ii. Mocker or learner?
Think of the last time someone gently corrected you—how did you respond? With openness or offense? We live in a culture that often treats any challenge to our thinking or behaviour as a personal attack. But Scripture reminds us that those who love wisdom love correction. They know that feedback—especially when grounded in love and truth—is a tool for growth, not a threat to identity.
In fact, correction is one of the ways God shapes us and reveals His love for us:
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves.” (Proverbs 3:11–12)
The book of Hebrews, quoting Proverbs 3, puts it in this way:
‘And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?’ (Hebrews 12:5-7)
The proud resist it. The wise embrace it. Which are we?
iii. A growth mindset of grace
The wise not only accept correction—they seek it out. Verse 9 tells us that teaching the righteous only adds to their learning. They don’t assume they’ve arrived. They stay teachable, open, and humble. And that’s key to Christian growth. None of us are the finished product. We all need people—trusted friends, mentors, spiritual leaders—who can lovingly challenge and encourage us. More than that, we need hearts that are soft to God’s Word and God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit often corrects us gently, quietly. Will we listen?
Let’s pray together:
“Father, I confess that I don’t always respond well to correction. Forgive my pride and help me to welcome truth—even when it hurts. Grow in me the heart of the wise: humble, teachable, and open to becoming more like You. Thank You that You correct those You love. Make me someone who learns from Your guidance and grows through it. Amen.”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #10. Proverbs 8:12-9:9. The facets of wisdom.
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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