I made a grand error. I frequently do. I couldn’t figure out a way to confess it to you until today. I was listening to a version of audio Proverbs and these verses slapped me across the face.
Whoever corrects a mocker is asking for insult; whoever reproves a wicked person receives abuse.
Do not reprove a mocker or he will hate you; reprove a wise person and he will love you.
Proverbs 9:7-8 New English Translation (NET)
The story behind this? I was driving to the grocery when a driver began to tailgating me, even attempting to pass me on a one-lane road. Upon arrival at the grocery store I found that the driver was in the parking lot also. Upset with the episode, I asked the driver [a female in a party of four] what was the big hurry to get to the grocery. She was not disrespectful, they looked at me like I had 3 heads. They did not apologize. The party went in the store and I went in. When I re-emerged from the store, my car had been scratched all the way around with a key. I was astounded. I began thinking that as a older man I man I may have pressed them unduly. I don’t think that I pressed them or distressed them to the extent that they damaged my car. I had an inkling to leave before I went in but I told my self that I would only be a few minutes. When I emerged from the store, they were long gone. The store would only release the surveillance footage under court order. I was sent a check from my insurance company. I have been waiting to save up the deductible to keep from losing thousands off the value of my car.
Dear readers, I enjoy my car – I do get a little irate at other drivers (I don’t think I’m alone), but the scripture is unbroken. I corrected someone who was undeserving and undisciplined. I am paying the penalty. Perhaps you will be more wise than I.