The same book of wisdom that presents insights and nuggets of truth to improve life and lead men to success also tells us there are people who cannot be helped. Wisdom knows when to teach men,
but wisdom also knows when to walk away from the man who will not listen.

The reality is that some men are mockers who refuse to respond positively to rebuke or correction. Instead of hearing the wisdom and truth in the words of correction, the mocker hears a personal challenge, and responds with hatred by abusing and insulting the one trying to help. Since you are not able to help the mocker and any attempt will simply bring abuse and insult to you, it is best to be silent and let the mocker go to his destruction alone.

On the other hand, the man with wisdom will receive the rebuke, make corrections and become wiser. The righteous man is the man who is willing to learn. The wise and righteous man is the one willing to change. The wise man does not feel threatened when learning and does not perceive correction as an insult. The righteous man does not abuse or insult those who are helping.

The wicked man will abuse his teacher and the mocker will insult the man offering wisdom.

The Egyptian sage Ankhsheshonqy (100-30 BC) wrote in a similar way when he taught:

“Do not instruct a fool, lest he hate you.
Do not instruct him who will not listen to you.”

A Sample of the Synagogues where Paul Preached

In Damascus
“At once he (Paul) began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the
Son of God.”
Acts 9:20

In Antioch, Pisidian
“As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.”
Acts 13:43

In Iconium
“At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue.”
Acts 14:1

In Thessalonica
“As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had
to suffer and rise
from the dead.”
Acts 17:2

In Berea
“On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.”
Acts 17:10

In Athens
“So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews.”
Acts 17:17

In Corinth
“Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue.”
Acts 18:4

In Ephesus
“He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.”
Acts 18:19

In Ephesus
“Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.”
Acts 19:8