Let's Go Back to the Bible

Wise people accept correction

There is not a single person on earth who is perfect or doing everything right. However, there is a mindset (which is prevalent) that says, “No one else has a right to correct me.” None of us enjoy receiving correction (whether young or old), so most of us would never seek it and, when someone does offer us “friendly correction,” most of us do not receive it well.

The book of Proverbs has much to say about the wisdom of receiving correction. Those who are wise enough to receive correction “will discern knowledge” (19:25), “get understanding” (15:32), “abide among the wise” (15:31) and “will be honored” (13:18). But, he who refuses correction “is stupid” (12:1), “goes astray” (10:17), “despises his own soul” (15:32), will have “poverty and shame” (13:18) and “will die” (15:10). Quite a contrast!

It is never easy to receive correction. None of us will ever do it perfectly. But, may God help us to humble ourselves to evaluate corrections we receive and apply them where necessary.