Young Adults' Group

Lessons On Correction

by Pastor Mark
June 12, 2025

Advice concerning correcting others

It is vital to have a wise approach to correcting others. We recognise that correction plays an important part in our learning and growth. If we are not corrected for our mistakes or misunderstandings, they will lead to severe consequences and we will have to live with them. Yet, we recognise that not everyone is willing to accept correction. Accepting correction requires much humility but some possess too much pride to receive it. The Author of Proverbs sought to write about lessons on correction for us to learn.

Warning concerning those who reject correction

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;” (Proverbs 9:7–8)

1. Those who will reject correction

1. There is the scoffer who mocks and shows contempt to those trying to help.
   1. He will shame the person who seeks to correct him.
   2. He will hate him for seeking to offer advice.
2. Those who are wicked will not accept correction.
   1. In retaliation, they will seek to harm the person trying to help them.
   2. Their wickedness gets the better of them.

2. The warning to avoid helping them

1. They are not open to being corrected for their wrong.
2. They have too much pride to accept correction.
3. All attempts to help them will probably fail.

Encouragement to help those who would accept correction

“Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs 9:8–9)

1. Those who will accept correction

1. They are wise people.
2. They are just in their ways.

2. The encouragement to help them

1. They are willing to accept the rebuke of their wrong.
2. They have the humility to receive instruction and correction.
3. These people have a teachable spirit to learn from their mistakes.
4. They are willing to listen and correct themselves.

The result of being corrected

What will be the result for those who are corrected? They would recognise the wisdom of being corrected and realise the error of their ways. They would love the person who had corrected him for his discernment and concern. Those corrected will also learn to grow and become wiser…not to repeat the same mistakes. They would be able to keep growing in their learning.

Let us be discerning in choosing whom we seek to correct. At the same time, when we are corrected, let us be challenged to guard from having a proud spirit that rejects correction when we are wrong. Let us be challenged to cultivate a humble and wise spirit by learning to accept correction when we have made mistakes.

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