Beautiful Criticism

REFERENCE: Proverbs 29:1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

Observation: None of us like criticism. It hurts. It’s hard. It makes us feel bad. Yet it is this very criticism that helps us to grow. The reason it is so dangerous to refuse it is that when we are criticized is that it protects us. It may be that we are on the way to making a disastrous decision and the only thing standing in the way is this critique. How much better to receive it and avoid the disaster?

Application/Confession: I need to remember not to become defensive when I receive a critique, especially from those closest to me. They really do love me and want my best. I would be wise to listen even when it hurt.

PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for putting people in my way that will warn me away from a disastrous decision. Help me to respond by listening and changing when I need to.