Embracing Correction
Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. (Psalm 141:5)
I don’t know anyone who actually enjoys being criticized. Personal critique is painful and humiliating even when its administration is gentle and kind. Though unpleasant, constructive criticism is, nevertheless, an important and necessary experience. None of us are perfect, and if we think otherwise then we deserve a little criticism! Unless we are willing to acknowledge our own imperfections and listen to the reproof and suggestions of others, we cannot hope to grow beyond our present weaknesses.
People can be unkind, less than tactful and even downright rude. Sometimes constructive criticism becomes nothing more than destructive complaint. Oftentimes those most eager to help others by means of criticism are the ones least capable of doing so effectively. But despite the shortcomings of many critics, we must admit the need for honest criticism. We can learn from even our worst critics, and when our defensive mechanisms tune out those we believe are unworthy to criticize, we lose the opportunity to gain from their insight however poorly articulated it may be.
Defensiveness is one of the least flattering traits of mankind. It is intensely frustrating to deal with people who seem obsessed with excusing themselves, shifting the blame to others and indulging in explanations both loud and long as to why they are the wretched object of other people’s scorn. A defensive person hears nothing of what his critic actually says; instead, he hears things as he imagines them to be. Never mind the actual reproof or how kindly and justly it may have been presented. The defensive person sees every critique as a personal attack and bemoans his unjust persecution rather than his considerable personal failings.
Wise men embrace correction especially that which is motivated by true love and concern. (cf. Prov. 9:8) Fools, however, reject reproof. They only pay lip-service to the concept of growth choosing instead to focus their energies on protesting the injustice of their persecutors. The wise man will benefit from the words of his critics, both friend and foe. The fool will gain nothing but a sense of vindication when others finally leave him alone with his folly. –Joel Ellis