Do You Want Rebuke or Flattery?

Daily Devotional – Saturday, June 3, 2023
It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 (NKJV)

One of the toughest responsibilities of a parent is administering punishment or correction to a child. A child sheds tears after receiving a lashing from the parent. Tough words may also bring a tear (often unseen) in the eyes of the one meting out the punishment.

Better is the Rebuke of the Wise

In the process of bringing up a family, warnings and rebukes are unavoidable. With pain in her voice, a mother warns the child of the dangers lying ahead of defiant behaviour. However, even when the parent utters the harshest words, it is all in the spirit of love, care and kindness.

On the flipside, though, joyful tears often flow from the eyes of a parent who witnesses the child achieving a cherished goal. The child may then appreciate that the parent had good intentions when administering discipline.

The Fleeting Happiness of Flattery

The easier alternative to strict discipline is to let the child do as he or she pleases. The extreme version of this approach is to praise the child for doing wrong and being foolish. Flattery massages egos and affirms negative behaviour.

King Solomon was unequivocal on the available options. He said, “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:5). Wise people reprove you because they have your interests at heart. Fools compose gratifying songs for you suffer in the end.

Do You Want Choose Rebuke or Flattery?

Like a wayward and petulant child, what you need is to be told the plain hurting truth. The warnings and reprimands of sagacious people will upset our egos momentarily but spare us long-term agony. Conversely, sycophancy will give you temporary joy but result in long lasting pain.

Rebuke or flattery? Embrace correction because it improves your thinking, speaking and conduct. Consider criticism as a tool for personal improvement and development. Allow God to correct you through His word. Permit your friends, family, spiritual brethren and spiritual leaders to point out weaknesses you need to work on.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me embrace rebuke, not flattery.