Proverbs 29:1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.
Before having a stroke, I was living a very unhealthy lifestyle that caused heart disease, which led to a stroke and all the suffering that came afterward. I had to repent and ask God for help to establish a healthier lifestyle because I was wrong in my previous health choices. I even had the nerve to question God as to why He had not warned me of the health issue – when in the middle of that very thought, God showed me that on four occasions, in four different towns, where and when He had warned me. The thing was, I did not recognize the severity of the warning. I was wrong in my estimation of the potential problem.
I had recently discovered something about a writer whose books I do not like, and I had judged the writer to be as unlikeable as his books. I came across an interview with this author and I was astounded at the amount of work he has put into helping those who cannot read and the generous donations he has given to thousands of schools, libraries, and scholarships for the advancement of literacy to help the poor and marginalized people throughout North America. I was wrong about him as a person, and I had to repent concerning my attitude toward him. I still do not like his books, but I have found a new admiration and respect for the soul and heart of this writer.
I was talking with my automotive mechanic about one of his employees whom I felt was a loser. It turns out I’m the loser for thinking it. The man in question has one of the best work ethics in that business establishment and is one of the most reliable mechanics working there. I was wrong in my judgment of his character and abilities. I had judged a man before I got to know him. Prov. 30:10 Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it. Again, I had to repent. We do not always get it right, but when we are wrong we should admit it, or we will be in danger of becoming destroyed beyond recovery.
The downfall of King Saul was his stubbornness not to accept criticism when he was wrong. Saul’s insecurities could not handle a rebuke from his son Johnathan or other members of his royal household concerning David’s faithfulness toward the king. Prov. 29:1 He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Saul was suspicious of all the people around him and accused everyone of conspiring against him. His obdurate determination to be right when he was wrong was clouding his judgment in all areas of his life.
The emotional immaturity that was influencing Saul, allowed a spirit of pride that drove Saul to madness. The oddness of this needless suffering was that he needed David to play music to help drive away the heavy spirit of depression Saul was fighting. 1Sam. 16:23b David took a harp, and played with his hand: So Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. The person Saul hated, was the one helping him through his self-made anxiety. All he had to do was admit he was wrong and act upon that fact. Saul died a jealous man believing a lie because he would not admit to being wrong.
The pride of life can cause unnecessary problems in all aspects of relationships. 1John 2:16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. How many marriages could have been saved had a spouse admitted to being wrong? How many partnerships could have prospered had management admitted to being wrong when the work plan was not prospering? Admitting we are wrong is a quality of heart that comes from God and places us in a position to be helped and forgiven. I’ve been wrong about a whole lot of things, and I am so grateful to God that He was not wrong about me. Yes, even when we are wrong, the Lord loves us and helps us make it right. Blessings.
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