Are You Truly Humble?

He who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself, 

And he who reproves a wicked man gets insults for himself. 

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. 

(Proverbs 9:7-9 NASB)

Better is open rebuke 

Than love that is concealed. 

Faithful are the wounds of a friend, 

But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy. 

(Proverbs 27:5-6 NASB)

A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding 

Than a hundred blows into a fool. 

(Proverbs 17:10 NASB)

Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; 

It is oil upon the head; 

Do not let my head refuse it... 

(Psalm 141:5a NASB)

Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold 

Is a wise reprover to a listening ear. 

(Proverbs 25:12 NASB)

The Love of God
Last time we examined the faithful discipline of our loving God.  We recognized what a blessing it is that God would love us so much to use the circumstances of our lives to make us more like Christ.  We see this as loving, corrective action from an all wise and sovereign God.  Yet, in our pride, we are often so resistant to God's faithfulness in this way.  We complain about our circumstances, rejecting the sin they expose in us and wishing they were different - and this in response to the direct work of God in our lives!

The Love of Friends
As difficult as this is, how are you at receiving correction from others?  This may seem impossible at times, given how hard it is to receive it from a perfect God, much less imperfect human beings!  Yet, I believe this is often the very litmus test that shows us how responsive we are to God's work in our lives.  Think with me on the things we are to be responsive to:

•  Reproof - to convict of an error by explaining why it is wrong (an event)
•  Correction - to point out the right course of action (an event)
•  Instruction / Teaching - training in right or skillful living (a process)

The Basis of Reproof
Does this sound familiar?  Notice the wording of 2 Timothy 3:16:
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 
(2 Timothy 3:16 NASB)

We notice the same pattern - and a progression, here of reproof to correction to training.  This is what God's word does for us, and I would contend that a wise reprover is one who acts not out of his or her own opinion, but from the trustworthy word of God as a foundation.  This is critical; God's word, rather than our own opinion, provides a basis for reproof, correction, and training.  We must be committed not only to pointing out what is wrong in others when necessary (reproof), but also pointing out the right course of action (correction), and be involved in the ongoing training for skillful living, staying on the right path.  We notice that this is a cyclical pattern in our lives.  It is also a huge commitment for us to engage in this process in our own lives and in the lives of others.  For further consideration, I encourage you to consider the example of the Holy Spirit in walking with us and enabling us to walk with others in this process (John 14:16, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:9-16), and also the role of elders and pastors in equipping others in this way (consider the concept of 'equipping' in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Ephesians 4:11-13).

Listen to what God tells us in our opening verses today regarding our responses to reproof and correction:

• Proverbs 9:7-9 - love, wisdom, and learning as contrasted with hate, insults, and dishonor.  Do you love reproof and those who give it?
• Proverbs 27:5-6 - do you appreciate rebuke as an act of love?  Are you willing to love with such boldness and directness when necessary?
• Proverbs 17:10 - are you willing to let the rebuke sink deep, getting the full benefit of what it reveals?
• Psalm 141:5 - do you see it as an honor and blessing to be reproved by people more righteous than yourself?
• Proverbs 25:12 - do you seek to complement your reprovers with godly listening?  Do you see such reproof as enriching your own life?

I am challenged by these verses, and even excited by the reproof I have received lately and what is surely to come.  I do not always have this attitude!  Lord, grant me true humility.


True Humility
What is humility?  When we look at this biblically, particularly in the New Testament, we see this as 'lowliness of mind; considering others as more important than self'.  In many ways it is related to having an accurate estimation of ourselves, which, in light of God Himself, must of necessity be small.

How can you recognize true humility in yourself and others?  I believe there is no better litmus test than how one responds to reproof and correction.  True humility recognizes the need for correction, and is not offended when others give it because they recognize the giver of it to be of greater stature than themselves.  The truly humble accept it as a means of God's grace for their good, and let it sink deeply into their hearts to bring about lasting change.

By this measure I think we may see things differently.  For example, a mild-mannered person may not be truly humble, while a bold person may be incredibly humble.  It is not a matter of outward style, but of inward reality.

I encourage you to learn from examples in your own life, as well as in the Bible.  For me, my Dad is the most teachable person I know, as he has a lifestyle of actively seeking reproof and correction in his own life.  King David is a consummate example of receiving reproof (2 Samuel 12, Psalm 51)), and the Apostle Paul is a bold example of giving it (Galatians 2:11-14).  Much can be said here, but we see the basis for the reproof to be the truth of God's word and the means of it to be personal and direct.

By the way, this isn't optional.  If I have read the Scriptures properly, it is essential for our spiritual growth.  On a basic level, is it too obvious to say that if you are not teachable, you won't learn anything?

May God grant each of us grace to have listening ears and to offer wise reproof, and the spiritual richness that comes from both.

In His Grip,

Mark