Proverbs 15:12 Commentary and Bible Study

Whether we see the one who reproves us as a friend or a foe depends on how we assess our condition before the Lord. We must assume that the reproof given here is worthy and justified reproof, because of the parallel in the verse between the one that reproves and the wise. How can man avail himself of a cure if he does not know his illness? How can he know his illness if he is not prepared to admit there is anything wrong with him? But if he knows how serious his state is, then he will welcome all who are willing to help him. Nor will he take a superficial view of those who find fault with his behaviour, treating their input as hostile and critical. The one who is genuinely aware of his faults and ready to change will do the opposite: he will receive and carefully process even the unworthy comments of his enemy (1 Peter 4:15) and of those who are really against him, in case there is any truth in what they say, and in case they have identified any genuine fault in him. Far more will he think carefully about the words of a friend, for ‘faithful are the wounds of a friend’ (Proverbs 27:6). Just as a child sees beyond the frowning face of an angry parent, when punishment is being administered, to the love that undergirds that response, so the Christian receives admonition. He can receive correction from the pulpit, or from a friend, or even from an enemy, because he knows that this is God’s means of sanctification. He will therefore choose to be with the wise even though they may point out faults in his behaviour, for this is his way of dealing faithfully with his own soul. He will not choose those who he knows are going to condone his faults and treat them lightly, but he will go to the wise man who sees clearly and does not turn a blind eye to sin. The scorner naturally prefers to be with other scorners because they will never reprove him, since they want to do the same thing themselves. But the humble go to the wise for they welcome not only the friendship of the wise but their reproof.