In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “he that hastes to be rich has an evil eye, and considers not that poverty shall come upon him”, and in chapter twenty-eight and verse twenty-three of Proverbs Solomon shared about the person, “that rebukes a man” where we read,
He that rebukes a man afterward shall find more favor
than he that flatters with the tongue.
The verse begins, “He that rebukes a man afterward shall find more favor ...” Solomon began with the words, “he that rebukes a man” or “he, the person whether male or female, who reproves, corrects and adjudges a person whether male or female with honest criticism” “afterward shall find more favor” which means “behind and following their reproof will discover greater charm, elegance and grace” compared to the following person. Solomon said the person who reproves and corrects another person will discover a greater amount of grace after doing so than the following person.
The verse continues, “... than he that flatters with the tongue.” Solomon added the words, “than he that flatters” or “compared to the person whether male or female who commends, praises and compliments” “with the tongue” which means “by the use of the wedge in the mouth used for tasting and speaking”. Solomon said the person who gives honest criticism to a person gains more grace than the person who commends and praises a person by the use of their “tongue”.
When we meditate upon the words in this verse, we learn through Solomon how honest criticism gains more grace from the person receiving it than dishonestly speaking praise and commendation to the person. Sometimes correction does not “feel” good, but it is necessary, and God will correct and guide us through His scriptures all the days of our lives when we surrender to His Son Jesus who died on the cross for our sins. (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17) God loves us, and He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and teach us the value of being corrected and giving reproof in an honest manner through the help of His Holy Spirit.
Next time Solomon shares about, “whoso robs his father or his mother”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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