From the time we are young we HATE being corrected. We tend to think that we know what’s best and are often repulsed when people criticize our behavior. In the book of Proverbs, nestled in between the notions of wisdom and folly, God’s Word indicates how correction truly reveals our character.

Responding positively to correction is a sign of spiritual maturity and with it an increase in learning. Because no one has “arrived” on their spiritual journey, there will always be times when we need to hear someone else speaking into our lives. This will not always be comfortable and the person speaking may not even be right. However, when we have a desire to grow it becomes imperative that we have a posture of humility and grace when someone is speaking into our lives.

The spiritually immature cannot hear correction of any sort. They will lash out and hate the one who brings the correction because they can’t begin to think there is any problem with themselves. They will insult, hate, and even dishonor the one correcting them. Therefore, these verses are asking us to use careful discernment when correcting another and recognizing that their response will indicate their level of spiritual maturity – not yours.

What kind of person are you? Are you able to receive correction from others or do you loathe the person sharing? God wants us to have humble hearts that can receive correction from others.

PRAYER

Dear Jesus. Thank you for your saving work in my life. Help me to be a person who welcomes the correction of others so that I may be my best for you. In Jesus name, Amen.