The 9th chapter of Proverbs opens with Wisdom calling out for attention. But then it jumps to a series of verses dealing with "scoffers" - people who make fun of or mock other people or treat them with contempt; they are disagreeable just for the sake of being disagreeable. So, what does Wisdom have to say? 

Whoever corrects a scoffer wins abuse; whoever rebukes the wicked gets hurt.

A scoffer who is rebuked will only hate you; the wise, when rebuked, will love you. Give instruction to the wise, and they will become wiser still; teach the righteous and they will gain in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life. If you are wise, you are wise for yourself; if you scoff, you alone will bear it.  (Prov. 9:7-12).

On the face of it, these verses don't make sense. They tell us not to waste our time trying to correct those who have contempt for others or rebuking those who are wicked/evil. Why not? Surely those who make fun of others deserve to be put in their place! We only need to look at much of the conversation on social media right now to see that Proverbs has a valid point. When we try and lecture someone who has utter contempt for others, we become a recipient of their ridicule and contempt. Why should we think otherwise? Such people look for opportunities to "stir the pot." Doesn't this mean we never speak against evil? No - but we do so in a way that speaks to what we believe to be right without directly addressing or stooping to the level of the other person. Otherwise, as Solomon tells us, we accomplish nothing. Better to spend our time with those who are opened minded, who truly want to understand. 

Meditation: Throughout the books of both Psalms and Proverbs we are repeatedly told, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." Why is this repeated so often? How can these words apply to your life? (Note: remember that "fear" in this context means to be in awe of, to respect, to revere.). Why is the fear of God the "beginning" of wisdom? If we start with fear, awe, respect where do we go from there - do we move beyond fear to something else as wisdom progresses? Might the "end" of wisdom be knowledge and love of God?