Reading the Bible is an important part of how we can grow in our faith, but we know many people question why the Bible is not relevant for today. With its old language and confusing references, it can feel irrelevant or disconnected. But these Scripture meditations are meant to help us bridge that disconnect and encounter reasons why the Bible is relevant.

 

I Hate Criticism

So, your boss pulls you aside to talk about your performance and gently points out some areas for improvement. Or your friend tells you about something you said that hurt them, even though it’s not what you intended.

How do you react when you receive constructive criticism like this?

Some people feel embarrassed, or blame others for their mistakes. Some respond in anger, either at the person, or at themselves.

Proverbs 9:7-9 describes the kind of person who receives correction well, and the kind of person who doesn’t. 

Oftentimes, we want to reject any criticism because our pride is hurt. But we serve a God who only corrects us out of love (Proverbs 3:11-12), and he sometimes uses people in our lives to do it. We can humbly ask for wisdom as we examine our hearts, and because of his love,  we know we’re forgiven when we repent of whatever he reveals.

Proverbs 9:7-9

“Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

Observations from the Text

• The “mocker” attacks the person correcting them and takes correction too personally (v. 7-8)
• A wise person learns from correction and loves the one who corrects them (v. 8-9)

Prayers of Response

Wise and loving Father, I praise you for putting people in my life like _______ to gently correct me.

God who instructs, I know your correction is good for me, even if it doesn’t always feel good to receive.

Prayer Requests

Humble Shepherd, lead me into humility and clarity as I consider the correction I received about _______.

Gracious God, fill me with kindness and compassion when I have to give feedback to others.

Prayers of Readiness

Guiding Savior, I lay down my pride as I listen for your voice.

Loving Father, my heart is open to learning from your instruction as I’m trying to figure out _________.

 

This page has our stockpile of Scripture meditations that we believe help us connect with God in our everyday lives. Check it out for more relevant explorations of biblical wisdom!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™