“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold
is a wise reprover to a listening ear.”
– Proverbs 25:12
Nobody really enjoys being told they’re on the wrong path. We don’t generally like to hear that we’re badly mistaken in our words or behaviors. Nonetheless, our most precious friends in the Lord will tell us exactly that when we are. Biblical reproof – the correction of wrong words or actions through the application of Scripture is quite rare in our culture.
When reproved, most of us naturally respond defensively (unless we respond offensively). When we do, we miss out on genuine treasure. Instead of defending ourselves or attacking our reprover if we actually listened to what he or she said and considered the possibility they were correct, we might learn something incredibly valuable! We might see something to which we had previously been blind. We might open a door in our heart to change and transformation.
How do you view the loving (if painful) correction of a brother or sister in Christ? As an attack? As an insult? As a waste of time? As a distraction? Or do you consider it a treasure worth listening to, meditating upon, and searching Scripture about? If your reprover is indeed wise, then what they say may be the most precious gift you’ve received for a long time.
Seek to become a person who listens for and to valid reproof. Seek out friends who will provide the loving and wise reproof we all need from time to time. Treat their words like the treasure they are and give thanks to God for using them to transform you.