The Wise Graciously Take Criticism

Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. (Proverbs 9:8-9)

Taking criticism can be difficult. Nobody likes to be told that what he is doing is wrong, especially when he thinks he is right. However, a wise person takes criticism graciously. A wise person understands that he does not know everything.

If you’re acquainted with individuals who believe they know everything, chances are they aren’t truly as wise as they perceive themselves to be.

When someone approaches a wise person and shows him faults or areas for improvement, that person will graciously listen and change accordingly; the text even says the wise person will love the observer for it. We must learn to look at criticism as a loving way for others to help us to be more like Jesus. Obviously, there will be times when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love. But, the majority of times it will be for our good.

Take a hard look at your life. How do you handle criticism? Do you have a hard time because you think you know best? Are there relationships that have been broken because of the way you have taken criticism?

Remember Proverbs 9:8-9 as others show you areas you need to work on.

Wow! When I read this I honestly hesitated to share it but I couldn’t shake the importance and truth of it all. Let’s take time today and ask ourselves this very question, how do I handle criticism? When I’ve gotten criticism is times past, as hard as it may have been to swallow and I may have had tears in private, I took it to The Lord and I said what does the word say about this, there is direction through scripture for everything we face in this life and it will guide you on the path you are to take and it will confirm or deny the criticism you receive. So, when you are criticized, take it to The Lord and have an honest look at yourself and allow God to do a new work in you and no matter what, love and in those moments when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love the word says in Luke 6:28, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.

Have a wonderful day in The Lord!

Today’s Reading is Proverbs 9:8-9