“A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise” (Prov 15:12).

The scoffer (called “scorner” in the KJV) is “the lowest level of the class of fools presented in Proverbs” (Kitchen 332). This is the arrogant person (Prov. 21:24) who is so hardened in his rejection of authority that he can’t simply ignore correction; he is compelled to respond with insults, mocking, sneering, and even violence.

Solomon says such a person will not “go to the wise.” This phrase caught my attention. We often see people so intent on following a path of rebellion that they surround themselves only with those who will agree with them and encourage them in their foolishness. They do not want people telling them they are wrong. Craving affirmation for their choices, they despise being exposed to such “negativity” in their lives. Rejecting the warnings of those who love them and have their best interest in heart, they find “yes men” to encourage them in their sin.

This perfectly describes King Ahab. He gathered around him 400 prophets who told him what he wanted to hear (1 Kings 22:6). Searching for another opinion, King Jehoshaphat asked if there was a true prophet of whom they could inquire. Ahab replied, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord; but I hate him because he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil” (v. 8). Ahab did not “love” the one who corrected him. He hated him and would not go to him.

Proverbs chapter 15 contains several other verses that speak about making good decisions.

It is important to surround ourselves with wise people to give us counsel. “Without counsel, plans go awry, but in the multitude of counselors they are established” (v. 22).

It is important that we take the time to think through important decisions in our lives. “The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours forth evil” (v. 28).

It is important that we respond properly to criticism and correction. “A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent” (v. 5). “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise. He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (vs. 31-32).

How do you and I respond when we are corrected? Will we love those who help us or hate those who injure our pride? Will we purposely seek the counsel of those who know best, or will we build a sounding board of “yes men” to cheer us as we walk a path to ruin?

- Reference: John A. Kitchen, “Proverbs: A Mentor Commentary”