Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; / Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

June 13th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

None of us come into this world being naturally good at handling criticism. It is more common for humans, immediately after being criticized, to become defensive or worse, offensive. This Scripture tells us to listen carefully to criticism, gleaning out that which is helpful, taking it as an opportunity to learn how to improve our lives.

Years ago I listened to a university professor start the first day of class with these words:

If you will allow me, over the next few weeks I will teach you to the best of my ability. I will try to open a door for you to discover a whole new area of emerging science. I will say some things that will sound strange and that you likely will not agree with it at first. But if you do not open your mind to at least consider these new things, I guarantee you that you will not learn and you will waste both your time and mine. However, I challenge you to listen carefully and weigh the scientific evidence. The choice is entirely yours, to be open and learn or to be closed off and miss something exciting and new.

Even that atheistic, graduate-school professor understood what Solomon was writing here to his son and us. God has called us to listen for His voice in His Word and in the mouths of other believers, whether they are teachers, pastors, or just believing acquaintances. We have an obligation to both encourage other believers when there is something in their life that needs improving, and to listen to criticisms from them that might be true for us.

“LORD, open the eyes of our heart to hear You through others this day, in Jesus’ name.”