Fools
They have something in common.
I’ve been reading more in Proverbs lately. It really is amazing how much wisdom is packed into this book.
One thing that has stood out to me in the last couple weeks is the necessity of not just taking correction or being corrected, but the wisdom in actually welcoming it. Maybe it’s because I’ve had to be corrected lately that such a concept is standing out to me, but whatever the reason I’m seeing it all over the book.
Here’s an example from Proverbs 12:1:
If you love learning, you love the discipline that goes with it—
how shortsighted to refuse correction! (MSG)
Then again in verse 15:
Fools are headstrong and do what they like; wise people take advice. (MSG)
The implication is clear: If you are a “fool,” you are someone who doesn’t take advice. You ignore correction. You think that your way is the best way. You believe you have it all figured out.
And that’s dangerous. It’s childish, really.
This week, then, I want to encourage you to take advice. To be corrected. To seek out, even, ideas and opinions from people you know might run contrary to you. There’s wisdom in that. Even if they are wrong, it will at least sharpen you. But I think it will do much more than that. It will actually soften you.
After all, “Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.” (Proverbs 13:10, MSG).
