The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 29-30
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 9:8-9 (NIV); 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.
The list of those who are truly wise seems to be getting shorter. A wise person will love the one
who rebukes him. A rebuke rarely feels pleasant, especially one that comes with a harsh tone
or a personal jab. Not all rebukes or criticisms are spoken in truth, but it is wise to weigh the
words we receive. Initially, the criticism may sound absurd to us, and it is easily brushed off
with a huffy, “Well! I never…!” But the moment we feel offended is never the best time to make
a decision regarding the truthfulness of a rebuke. We must learn to breathe before lashing out
and to think before spewing out our thoughts. In grace and honour, let us respond kindly to
reprove.
What an encouragement that the wise person man can be “wiser still” and “add to his learning”!
Life is not meant to be stagnant; it is full of changes, giving us choices to stumble or to step up,
to digress or to grow. And every step up reveals another step to be conquered. It is a wonderful
thing. We are called to be holy as He is holy, but our salvation is not a magic trick. Though God
does see us as His holy people when we choose to follow Him, we don’t automatically start
doing everything perfectly. He gives us His Spirit, and as we surrender to Him and die to our
selfishness, we will become wiser still, adding to our learning, and becoming more like Christ.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What is your natural response to a rebuke? Meditate on today’s verses and ask the Lord
how He wants to use them to work in your heart. How can you be a person of grace and
honour?
2. Meditate on your personal testimony. Where have you grown in character and wisdom?
Thank the Lord for the hurdles He has helped you jump over, and the lessons of wisdom
He has taught you.
3. What is one thing God wants you to surrender to Him today? Ask Him to help you die to
selfishness and submit to His Spirit.
