A sign that wisdom is present is in the willingness to receive correction. While pride resists instruction, humility and wisdom welcome it. For this reason, Proverbs repeatedly contrasts the wise person who accepts correction with the foolish person who rejects it. Solomon writes:
‘The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.’ Proverbs 12:15.
Left to ourselves, we naturally believe our own judgments are correct. Wisdom begins when we recognise that our perspective is limited and that others may see things we cannot. It acknowledges that we are not experts in every area of life. It can see our shortcomings and the areas where we lack natural skill without it feeling like a danger to our worth and value. Rather than being threatened by counsel, the wise person values it.
This teachable spirit is a recurring theme throughout Proverbs, which demonstrates that wisdom begets more wisdom:
‘Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.’ Proverbs 9:9.
By contrast, Solomon issues a warning to those who refuse instruction:
‘He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.’ Proverbs 15:32.
Solomon demonstrates that to reject correction is ultimately to reject an opportunity for growth and wisdom and the blessings they bring. When we become unwilling to listen, we can easily remain trapped in habits, attitudes, and behaviours that hinder us. In fact, refusing or hardening ourselves against correction comes with a sharp warning:
‘He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.’ Proverbs 29:1.
Receiving correction is rarely easy as it can expose our weaknesses, hurt our pride, and initially cause us to feel like we’re failing in an area we may well be working hard at—and with good intentions.
In such situations, we may find ourselves quickly trying to explain ourselves, justify our actions, or dismiss the feedback altogether rather than wisely considering whether there is truth in what is being said. However, we are warned that:
‘He that hateth reproof is brutish.’ Proverbs 12:1.
Receiving correction applies to every area of life. In our workplaces, feedback helps us develop our skills and fulfil our responsibilities more effectively. In our relationships, honest conversations can reveal blind spots we may not see ourselves. In our walk with God, correction helps shape our character and draw us closer to his will.
However, Solomon reminds us to be discerning about the source of correction:
‘Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.’ Proverbs 27:6.
The most valuable counsel comes from those who care enough to tell us what we need to hear rather than what we want to hear. There is existing trust and care. While such conversations may still be uncomfortable, they can be one of God’s greatest tools for growth. God often uses trusted friends and fellow believers to refine us:
‘Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.’ Proverbs 27:17.
This doesn’t mean that every criticism we receive is warranted. Some may genuinely want to help but may not understand the whole situation, or their counsel may not be aligned with God’s truth. We are certainly cautioned against taking counsel from the ungodly (Psalm 1:1).
Additionally, there are many who will deliver ‘feedback’ in accordance with their own agendas or in a way that is dictated by their own pride or pain. Such feedback is usually critical rather than helpful, intended to tear us down rather than to build us up.
But when godly, honest feedback is given, the humble and wise person is willing to examine it and to learn whatever lesson may be found within it.
Ultimately, receiving correction requires trust in God. Rather than viewing correction as something to fear, wisdom teaches us to see it as part of God’s loving work in our lives:
‘He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.’ Proverbs 10:17.
As we pursue wisdom, we must learn to receive correction with grace, listen carefully to godly counsel, and allow ourselves to be shaped by the instruction God places before us.
Next time, we will explore how Proverbs teaches that integrity and self-control are marks of a wise life.
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