When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom; when a wise man is instructed, he gets knowledge. Proverbs 21:11

Everyone in this verse gets rewarded except for the mocker. The “newbie” learns from the punishment and the wise man learns from the wisdom of his instructor.

Which of the three do you most emulate right now? Obviously we occasionally fit in each of the categories depending on our situation in life. I think it’s harder to be a “wise man” because we get to a certain point where we think we know more than we do. It’s good, though, to just step back and take stock of where we are.

So, are you a newbie just starting out this Christian journey, full of excitement and promise? Do you long to absorb anything and everything you can?

Or perhaps you’re the mocker, the cynic in the group who questions everything around you? You have an attitude and a chip on your shoulder for who knows what reason. And the punishment? It could be anywhere from an admonishment to lighten up or it could mean physical, jailtime punishment.

Lastly, you are the teacher who when rebuked is able to soak up the wisdom of the moment. It’s easy to get complacent in this role but it’s one we should be aspiring to attain.