Proverbs 1:5-7: “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Solomon starts the book of Proverbs by making it clear that wise people are open to listening, learning, and growing. This sounds simple and obvious, but it may be easier said than done!
Critique can be hard to handle. I recently got mad at a friend for telling me I wear too many sweaters. I love sweaters. They are comfy and cute. Who was she to tell me I needed to stop wearing the coziest clothes in my closet!? Looking back, I was being a fool. Sweaters may have been acceptable everyday apparel when I was battling New York winters, but I now live in Florida. It’s hot and humid. My sweaters only cause excessive sweating. My friend was right, and I was wrong.
Living a godly life starts with recognizing that God’s ways are perfectly holy and right… and ours are not. We aren’t perfect, but that’s okay! God has placed special people, the church, and the Bible in our lives to help us continuously grow more and more like Christ! If you want to live according to God’s will, start by humbling yourself enough to recognize that there are areas in your life where you need to grow.
Are you defensive and confrontational when people offer you guidance, or are you open to understanding that God may desire to show you a better way to live?