One of the joys of life, and also a challenge of life is dealing with different types of people.

Proverbs 9 has some wisdom for these interactions.

First, Proverbs 9:7-9 says, “Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get an insult in return. Anyone who corrects the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you Instruct the wise and they will be even wiser. Teach the righteous and they will learn even more.”

Then verse 12 says, “If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.”

We need to look at these passages, from both the speaker and listener point of view, making sure we are not the “mocker,” who knows it all and is not open to learn, but are the wise who are open to correction and do not get defensive, because we know we will be the one to benefit.

Most importantly we need to remember Proverbs 9:10, “Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”

Dear Lord, it is you who provide us wisdom for life, good judgment, and understanding of those we encounter. Help us humbly look for wisdom to be better in all we do. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.