A servant will not be corrected by words; for though he understand he will not answer.
The proverb speaks here of a man who never learned to receive correction as a child. By the time he is a grown man, rebellion is ingrained, and words are insufficient to guide, restrain, or correct him. Typically, such a man is reduced to slavery. Without some measure of character, a man cannot be free. No man will ever develop character unless he has the wisdom to receive correction. So the grown man who has never learned to receive correction is in trouble. A business manager can hardly work with a man who stubbornly refuses to obey orders or receive correction. If the employee short-changes the customers on a regular basis or provides slovenly service, the business will do poorly. When he is corrected, this man stubbornly refuses to acknowledge his failures and correct them. He may blame others for his faults or just ignore the advice and continue with the same bad service. Now what will be done with such a fellow? Generally, these men will lose their jobs and either rely on the state for welfare or send their wives to work. Occasionally, they resort to begging on the streets. At one time, employers would apply the rod in order to get some work out of these men, but it is rare to see that sort of correction anymore. Nowadays, it is easier to let them die of starvation or live off the state in welfare colonies or in prisons where they receive room and board at taxpayer expense—to the tune of $40,000 a year.
Do you see the benefit of receiving correction? It does take humility to acknowledge your weaknesses and shortcomings. But this is the only way to improvement! “God resists the proud, but gives grace unto the humble” (Jam. 4:6).
See a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
The prior verse deals with the man who maintains a “sullen silence.” Now here we find the opposite sin: the fellow who is too quick to speak. “Let your words be few” is wise advice (Eccl. 5:2). James repeats the same lesson in the New Testament: “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (Jam. 1:19). Why would a man be eager to speak his mind? He may wish that others hear what he has to say because he can’t think that anybody else has anything to contribute to the issue at hand. After all, he is the paradigm of wisdom. Why should people want to listen to anybody else? The last person to speak is often the wisest. This is because he has the benefit of the wisdom of others, and he has time to consider his words. Every conversation and every situation is unique and requires careful reflection before airing your opinions.
Moreover, your speech can get you into trouble! Should you speak out of turn or say the wrong thing in haste, you could mislead somebody or permanently damage a relationship. Thus, you can see how important it is to check your spirit before speaking. If you are aggravated about something, if you lack faith, or if you are impatient with others, it would probably be unwise to say anything at all. Pray first, repent, and then enter the conversation.
Proverbs 26:12 brings out a parallel idea, stating that there is more hope for a fool than a man who is wise in his own eyes. This man cannot be told anything because he already knows it all. Often, the poor listener is the big talker. If you have a problem with talking too much, it might be good to check your pride. Could it be that you have an over-inflated view of your own wisdom?
1. What happens to a man who refuses to obey orders or make necessary corrections to slovenly work habits?
2. What does a sullen silence say about a person’s ability to receive correction?
3. Have you ever hurt anyone by your speech? How did you do that?
4. How might we all become better listeners?