Advice and Criticism
Today we traveled to Evergreen for grandson Riley’s football game. At that elevation we experienced our first taste of cold weather along with some rain. It was a good game with Riley’s team winning 12-6 and qualifying for the championship game next week in what is called the “Carnation Bowl.”
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.” Proverbs 25:11,12 NLT
Whether king or commoner, all of us need the input of others. No one is the depository of all wisdom and knowledge. Even Solomon who was the wisest of the wise recognized the value of both advice and criticism.
In two wise sayings Solomon points the value and beauty of both advice and criticism. While we seek advice, criticism often comes unexpectedly and without invitation. However both for the wise can be important.
For both, thoughtful contemplation versus an immediate reaction is important. These are words that need to be “taken into consideration.” Like something that is pleasing to look at, they are to be valued and studied.
I like the qualifier of “timely” advice. Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you responded to someone, “I wish you would have told me that before I made my decision.” The key is the right advice, at the right time. Even in our current political structure we have those who carry the title of “Presidential adviser.” In David’s administration there was the position of, “King’s friend.” Often advice from those who have no agenda or personal stake in an issue is the most important.
The I notice that the preface and qualifier of criticism is, “valid” and “listening.” It is easy to dismiss all criticism; but we do so at our peril. When I think of those who offered their “criticism” when I was first in politics, I had to realize that they were doing so, because they wanted to me to be the best that I could be in my chosen office. I had to learn to listen and not to react or respond with defensiveness.
But it is important to realize that not all criticism is valid. Solomon warns, “Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot.” (Proverbs 25:19 NLT)
Some criticism is misguided and prejudicial and intended to bring distraction and discouragement. Valid criticism enables us to “stay on track” and to be even more effective in reaching our goals or potential.
We can be on both the giving and receiving end of advice and criticism. Giving advice and criticism carries as much responsibility and thoughtfulness as receiving it. In both circumstances it calls for the right motives and the right spirit. These two aspects of four lives reveal, how much we need others to grow and reach our potential. It may be hard to admit we need the advice of others. It may be challenging to filter through criticism. The wise learn to value and assess these and become more successful as a result.
Prayer for today…. Lord, grant the openness to become wise through receiving timely advice and valid criticism. Help us to seek to always strive for self-improvement and to see how others can be partners and Your agents in that process.