“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
There are two kinds of criticism:
- Unfair criticism. There’ll always be people who love to rain on your parade; people who try to build themselves up by tearing others down. Mark Twain said, “Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
- Constructive criticism. Solomon said, “Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is the rebuke of a wise judge to a listening ear” (Proverbs 25:12). There’s a major obstacle you must overcome in order to reach your highest potential. What is it? Our natural reluctance to discover anything unflattering about ourselves.
When you erect defenses against your inadequacies and try to hide your faults, you close the door to a vital source of self-knowledge. And in so doing, you deny yourself the joy of growing. Every one of us can improve what we’re doing or the way we’re doing it. In fact, if you’re still celebrating what you did last year — you’re not making enough progress this year.
Solomon puts it this way: “Whoever learns from correction is wise” (Proverbs 15:5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to accept criticism and direction that is meant to help me and not discard it. Help me to be guided by Your Word! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
