Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 10, 2012
“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” (Proverbs 9:8-9).
Furthermore, be willing to be the bearer of bad news. With love and grace, go to your friend who has asked for your counsel, and give him or her truth. Pray first; then deliver the unpleasant news. It is much better for others to see the error of their ways before they reach a point of no return. Talk to them, not about them. Pray for them privately, not publically with a pious prayer request.
Love motivates rebuke, then become a recipient of love. Your relationship will retreat in anger or rise to a higher level of respect through righteous rebuke. Take the time to prod another toward perfection because you care. Be respectful and instruct with patience. One day the student may exceed the wisdom of the teacher.
“A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Luke 6:40).
Prayer: Dear Lord, to whom do I need to listen and learn from their correction and rebuke?
Related Readings: Psalm 141:5; 2 Peter 3:18; 2 Timothy 4:2; Revelation 3:19
Post/Tweet this today: Avoid gossip, talk to them not about them. #gossip #confront
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I am struggling with this. I have a neighbor who has been spreading lies about another neighbor and I’m afraid she’s either delusional, schizophrenic or may even have a brain tumor. When I told her that her accusations were not possible and asked if she was taking any medication that might be causing hallucinations, she turned on me. I told some of the other neighbors that she called me to her apartment to hear the mean things another neighbor was saying about her, but I heard nothing, even though she insisted she was hearing them talking. Others have had the same experience. Should I just keep quiet and let others believe her lies?
This is something we all need to remember and heed. It is also something that people who like to talk too much and not listen need to hear…sometimes we just need to zip our lips and listen in order to learn things we may have missed due to our inability to stop talking over people. I remind myself of this…probably not enough. Great lesson and reminder for today (and going forward). Thank you!
Additionally, she called the police and accused the neighbor of breaking into her apartment and bugging her phone. (The police found nothing.) She says they keep her up all night with loud noise and mean songs they’ve made up about her. She’s even had the management come to her apartment and they also don’t hear anything. They are contacting her family to advise them of the problem. Meanwhile other neighbors are spreading the lies she tells about the victim.
Want the Lord to change me,where things are needed.As for not being tolerant.I believe we all shouldn’t have to give up things that God asks of us.1 is telling the truth to otrhers&obey his commandments
When we ask for wisdom I think we expect an immediate infusion of knowledge and superior thinking. But for me your last 2 posts reminded me that I need to accept instruction and listen respectfully and carefully to the other person. Then God can impart wisdom because I honoring and obeying Him and am prepared to accept it. Whatever God gives us is for His Glory through our obedience.
I totally agree with you.
You never know what is working through that person to spread those lies or for them to be acting that way. Maybe they need deliverance… All you can do is pray for them.