The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Proverbs 9:6-12, “Forsake your folly and live, and proceed in the way of understanding.”
7 He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, and he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself.
8 Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you, reprove a wise man and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
9 Give instruction to a wise man and he will be still wiser, Teach a righteous man and he will increase his learning.
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, and if you scoff, you alone will bear it.”

Undoubtedly, you have heard the expression: “Stupid is as stupid does.” There may be multiple understandings of those five simple words. Regardless of the number of meanings one may attached to it, they all call for the same conclusion. Just examine the first few verses above in the light of anyone’s activity and see for yourself.

Solomon says that it’s virtually impossible to correct a scoffer or to reprove a wicked person without getting some “dirt” on your self. Correcting a wise man, however, will gain his admiration because it only contributes to his knowledge or wisdom.

Pay close attention to the LORD’s words, “the beginning of wisdom.” Wisdom is the application of knowledge. The knowledge we glean from the LORD and His Word, supersedes everything the world has to offer! Furthermore, we will live longer and be wiser. But if we rely on our own thinking, it profits nothing. What’s more, we will be held accountable for our own thinking –thinking that contributes negatively to that of others.

Note the LORD’s promise: “For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” Why would that be? Probably, because the LORD’s Words impact human life like no other, and those who choose to repeat them to others are doing the LORD’s work.

May the LORD give you wisdom to grasp His Words and apply them to your own life. May He then use you to apply His Words to the lives of others.

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom