The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. Proverbs 15:30 KJV
Criticism and praise are two things we will all face in our lifetime.
They both stir in us with powerful emotions.
Criticisms can sometimes lead us to feel like we have failed or that we are not good enough.
While praise is good, if we are not careful it can sometimes lead us to begin to become selfish in our ways and think that we are better than everyone else.
We need to learn what we can from the criticisms, accept the praise as a good sign, but at some point, set them aside and humbly move on in God’s grace and power.
Proverbs is a great source to read about the benefits of encouragement and wise counsel.
If we listen to constructive criticism, we can sometimes learn something that will help us, and we grow in understanding.
The Word has told us that as sinners we fail to see the value of our own souls. That we put more into pleasing the body before our soul (v.32).
Criticism can be seen as a type of discipline, that if we don’t take something from it, we only harm ourselves.
Faithful and friendly expressions of one’s faults helps our spiritual lives.
When we recognize what we are doing wrong, by grace we correct them.
By doing this, we are put in the position to be led to a place of eternal life, where we will find ourselves to be at home among the wise (vv.31-32).
Let us not forget about praise.
There is nothing like hearing a word of praise.
Praise is “light in a messenger’s eyes [that] brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones (Proverbs 15:30 NIV).
It is when we let praise take a greater hold on how we look at ourselves compared to others that it causes us to go against the Word.
It is a delight to the soul that is humbled to hear the good report. Knowing that it is because of the salvation we received from the Lord that it even came to be.
Whether we are on the side of being criticized or praise, may we never forget to search the Scriptures.
They are the best resources we have that keep us on track with following the leading of the Holy Spirit.
The only true way that keeps sin from having control over our thoughts and deeds.
Knowing that as we humbly walk with God, He will help us learn from both, show us how to set them aside, and give us the wisdom to press forward in Him (v.33).
Let us be the one that “heeds life-giving correction [and] be at home among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31 NIV).
Don’t take what you go through for granted.
Take them as positive signs that will only benefit our lives.
Both help us become better vessels to be used of the Lord.
A WORD OF PRAYER
Father, You have told us that the heart of the righteous looks for answers, but that the mouth of the wicked pour out evil things. That when we look at the criticism and praises that we receive, we don’t allow them to cause us to sin and go against the Word. That they come to help us prove our wisdom and knowledge of the Word and grow even more in It. That we humbly surrender to You for the guidance to make the changes needed in our lives. To be one of many who will be used to see where someone else may need encouragement. We are thankful for the criticism and the praise. We will take note of them and use them to continue to move in Your grace and power.
In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen