“If you listen to correction to improve your life, you will live among the wise. Those who refuse correction hate themselves, but those who accept correction gain understanding.”

(Proverbs 15:31–32, NCV)

Winston Churchill exemplified integrity in the face of opposition.  During his last year in office, he attended an official ceremony.  Several rows behind him two gentlemen began whispering.  “That’s Winston Churchill.”  “They say he is getting senile.”  “They say he should step aside and leave the running of the nation to more dynamic and capable men.”

When the ceremony was over, Churchill turned and said, “Gentlemen, they also say he is deaf!”

Criticism.  Nobody enjoys it.  Even if it’s done kindly, it still stings.  And when it’s harsh or unfair, it can feel downright crushing.  But criticism — even unfair criticism — can serve a useful purpose.

We need to be humble enough to recognize that some criticisms are justly deserved.  Even when critics are unkind and they exaggerate our failures, there may still be some truth in what they say.  If we immediately become defensive, we might miss a valuable opportunity to grow.

Abraham Lincoln once heard that one of his cabinet members, Edwin Stanton, had called him a fool.  Lincoln’s response was this:  “Mr. Stanton is a wise man. If he said I am a fool, I had better look into the matter.”

That’s the kind of humility and maturity God calls us to.  Instead of getting defensive or discouraged, we need to ask ourselves:  Is there truth in what’s being said?  If so, what can I learn from it?  If not, how can I respond with grace rather than anger?

Even when the criticism is completely unfounded, it gives us a chance to practice patience, self-control, and forgiveness.

Criticism doesn’t have to tear us down. Rather, it should be a stepping stone to spiritual growth.  It’s an opportunity to learn what we’re doing wrong and what we need to correct.   It can sharpen our character, teach us humility, and help us become more like Christ.

May you “listen to correction to improve your life”, so that you can truly “live among the wise”.

Prayer: Father, it’s not easy to hear criticism, but I know you can use it for good in my life. Help me to listen with a humble heart. Teach me to grow from correction and not be crushed by it.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day