Proverbs 17:10
A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.
"Fool" here denotes a person who is morally deficient and not willing to listen to any kind of teaching that does not agree with their perverse thinking processes. Therefore, to give them "a hundred lashes" will not change their minds.
On the other hand, a "discerning person" is one who is humble enough to receive and consider a rebuke, to be impressed to grow in their understanding and wisdom.
Those who claim to have an "open mind" today seem to be those who only seek teachers who will reinforce their already faulty thinking processes; their minds are closed to a rebuke that would lead them into straight thinking.
I want to be truly "open" to whomever and whatever teaching that would lead me on in the "straight paths" set before me, not turning to the right nor to the left. God's ways are a true balance, to weigh the attitudes of the heart. Too much on either side would tip the balance, and be detrimental.
Father, teach me Your ways, lead me in Your straight path for me, take my hand in Yours to steady me, that I not be deterred from or swayed from the ways You have designed us to be in this Earth. And I will give You all the credit, the glory and praise for Your wisdom in making it so.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
