WASTED WORDS

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs‬ ‭9:7-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

There was a pastor who became an undertaker. When they asked him why, he answered, “Now, when I straighten them out, they stay straight!”  I can sympathize.  The truth is, however, that we don’t have to straighten everyone out.  That is the work of the Spirit.  You cannot make a blind man see or a deaf woman hear.  Yet, we may be the personality type who insists on trying.

Jesus put it this way, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matt.‭7:6‬). Sometimes, it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.  The scoffer is not one who needs more information.  They have already heard the truth and have rejected it—militantly and stridently.

Some preachers would have been better being pugilists.  They continually climb into the ring with their verbal fists up.  Saying the right thing, the wrong way, the wrong time, to the wrong person, is still wrong. Often, the root of our relentless stream of rebuke is a motive to be right.  We may be more concerned to win an argument than to win a soul—a point of pride.

Christ’s counsel was, “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” (‭Luke‬ ‭9:5‬). Words are worth too much to waste.  Go on to the next person—they might listen.  Instruct the wise and they will become more wise and love you—even if you rebuke them.

There are times we must stand up and speak to the scoffers.  It is not so much about them as reinforcing our own convictions and to let the weak and wavering who are listening to them know that they need not be swayed by their folly.  May God give us discernment to know when to speak up and when to shut up.  Words are worth too much to waste.  Sow Gospel seed on receptive soil if you can, and do not cast it on rocks intentionally.  Opportunity is fleeting.

Regeneration is a supernatural work.  If I can talk someone into believing something, someone else can talk them out. There is a place for apologetics, but there is also a time to say our piece and move on. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (1 Cor.2:14). It is foolishness to them.  God does use the power of the Gospel we share to do a miracle, but in the final analysis, a miracle is what it takes—not our brilliance and eloquence.