Teaching is not an easy task. All do not love to learn. However, God calls His people to teach His Word to the world. Teachers could be abused, hated, and even injured. Hardened evil doers are like porcupines in that they injure the teachers, counsellors, prophets, and well-wishers. This is an occupational hazard of truth teachers. “Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abused, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you” (Proverbs 9:7,8) Lord Jesus Christ taught that it is not wise to give holy unto dogs or put pearls before swine. (Matthew 7:6)
1) Hate knowledge: “How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22) They are obsessed with brute destructive power that they hate knowledge. They love wealth, even if it is illegitimate, rather than knowledge or truth.
2) Hate teachers: They see teachers or counsellors or prophets as their personal enemy who are dubbed as ‘joy killers’. Confusing the message with the messenger, they attack the messenger.
3) Hate courtesy: The scoffers do not abide by reason or norms or rules or regulations. Hence, they are not afraid to use abuse and violence as their weapons. Trolls in social media are good examples.
4) Hate humility: Such people are proud, arrogant, and aggressive. For them, humility is weakness. By aggressive behaviour they hide their insecurity. Learning offends their superiority complex and myth that they know everything.
5) Hate repentance: Instead of repenting from their evil, they try to defend their sins. Naturally, they justify their wickedness blaming others including God, others, and context.
God is not amused with their aggressive, arrogant attitude. The Lord is scornful to those who are scorners. (Proverbs 3:34) “Whoever hates reproof will die.” (Proverbs 15:10) “He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” (Proverbs 29:1) However, humble learners delight to learn, reform and grow. “The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.” (Proverbs 15:31)
Am I humble to learn and teach?