The Wise Graciously Take Criticism

Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.  Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

(Proverbs 9:8-9 ESV)

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 or she doesn't know everything. Click To Tweet

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 be more like Jesus. Obviously, there will be times when those who are criticizing are not doing it in a spirit of love. But, most 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.