“A scoffer does not like to be reproved;

  he will not go to the wise.”

Proverbs 15:12 ESV

Willingness to receive correction is a critical factor for growing in godliness. Extending that thought just a bit is the idea of intentionally or actively seeking guidance or instruction. The fool certainly will not seek input from others.

What is your spirit toward correction, both solicited and unsolicited?

“The wisest of women builds her house,

  but folly with her own hands tears it down.”

Proverbs 14:1 ESV

Often the impression one can get from reading Proverbs is that foolishness is reserved for men. Here is a warning, Ladies. You can be fools too, and the damage can be equal to the damage done by a male fool.

“Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life;

  he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

Proverbs 13:3 ESV

Abraham Lincoln often has been credited with saying, “Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt.” Many people undoubtedly believe Lincoln was thinking of Proverbs 13:3. However, the emphasis in this verse is not to be silent, but to be guarded in what you say. Don’t just rattle off at the mouth. Rather, say valuable, life-giving, helpful things.

Ephesians 4:28 captures the point well: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Notice that Paul is not saying be silent or don’t say bad things. He is saying instead of bad things, say good things. Guard your tongue.

“Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool,

  but wisdom is pleasure to a man of understanding.”

Proverbs 10:23 ESV

The writer gives us another diagnostic tool, in case we had any doubts. Are you a fool or man of understanding?

Before answering, it is important to remember that biblical wisdom isn’t the ability to do well on a trivia quiz. In other words, wisdom isn’t the accumulation of a wealth of knowledge. Wisdom is related to a fear and knowledge of the Lord, and living in godliness.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,

  and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”

Proverbs 9:10 ESV

“Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you;

  reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”

Proverbs 9:8 ESV

Do you ever wonder if you are a fool? Here’s a quick and easy guide for self-evaluation. How do you respond to correction? An honest, reflective answer to that question will answer the previous question.

Lord, please shape my heart so that I am more consistently receptive and appreciative of correction.