This month, I am reading through the book of Proverbs, studying one chapter a day. Each week, I will share a verse that stuck with me. Join me as I study the wisdom that God gave Solomon, and apply it to life today. Click here to get your printable Proverbs Study Calendar.
“For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life.” (Proverbs 6:23)
Is there anyone who actually enjoys being corrected? I personally don’t really like it.
Whether I’m telling a story or choosing a route to drive to an appointment, I hate having my plans, decisions, and words second-guessed by someone else. My husband knows this better than anyone.
When someone corrects us, the very human response is pride (I’m right), embarrassment (someone saw me do something wrong/stupid), and anger (how dare you!). But of all those reactions, none are correct.
So, how should we react when we’re corrected?
Accepting Correction and Instruction
Thankfulness is not often my response to correction, but it is the right one. We should accept instruction and guidance with appreciation because they may be the only thing keeping us from getting lost, making a mistake, or getting hurt.
To accept correction, we first have to set aside pride. Our pride is the reason we feel embarrassed when others see us mess up. It’s also why we lash out in anger. Pride is a deadly sin for a reason—it’s not just bad, it brings a host of other bad feelings along with it.
Proverbs is full of advice, correction, and instruction. Some of it is gentle, while some is as sharp as a slap. But time and again, it returns to the theme of wisdom and knowledge—and their antithesis, folly.
Not learning from others’ correction and instruction is a type of folly. Following our own stubborn ways to our own detriment is another. We are surrounded by folly—pride, anger, wickedness, intentional ignorance—and are called to turn away from it and follow the path of light.
So, put aside the pride, embarrassment, and anger that arise when others correct you. Instead, accept their instruction with a thankful heart. Turning aside from folly allows us to follow the path of life, leaning on God’s wisdom and knowledge instead of our own.
Have a blessed Monday!
Looking for more encouragement and inspiration today? Try these:
Proverbs Study: Living in God’s Wisdom
It’s so easy to get an attitude of “who are you to correct me” or “I know what I’m doing” when we get corrected. I pray the Lord helps us to put away that prideful reaction!
Absolutely and well said! Pride is such a destructive feeling, but one so many of us struggle with. Thanks for reading!