By Pastor Josiah Kehinde
“The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things. The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.”
Proverbs 15:28-33 KJV
Blessed brethren in the Lord, criticism and praise stir in us powerful emotions that, if left unchecked, can lead to either self-loathing or an overinflated ego. In Proverbs we read of the benefits of encouragement and wise counsel: “Good news gives health to the bones and those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.” (Proverbs 15:30, 32).
If we are on the receiving end of a rebuke, we are admonished to choose to be sharpened by it. “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise” (verse. 31). And if we are blessed with words of praise, we should be refreshed and filled with gratitude.
Beloved, the scripture affirmed that, A wise person is one who obeys God and His Word, thus avoiding moral pitfalls and failures. In contrast, a fool is one who says, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1). Solomon contrasts the wise and the foolish (Proverbs 10-15), comparing their attitudes, actions, and speech. Proverbs 15 describes the wise person as one who is discerning (verse. 21), seeks godly counsel (verse. 22), speaks graciously (verse. 23), lives cautiously (verse. 24), is humble (verse. 25), pure (verse. 26), honest (verse. 27), self-controlled (verse. 28), prayerful (verse. 29), teachable (verses. 31-32), and fears God (verse. 33). The foundation for such a godly life is stated at the beginning of Proverbs in 1:7, repeated in 9:10, and reiterated again in 15:33: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge and wisdom.
Quite often, we might be struggling to know how to deal with both criticism and praise. The question is, What is the essence of what we took to heart? We should learn what we can from criticism and accept praise. Then shelve both and humbly move on in God’s grace and power. As we walk humbly with God, He can help us learn from both criticism and praise, shelve them, and then move on in Him (verse. 33). Shalom.
I pray that the Lord will open your eyes to see the beautiful sides of criticism and show gratitude to the Lord in all situation, in Jesus name Amen.
As you humbly surrender to the Lord, I pray that He will strengthen you in the Holy Ghost for accelerated growth and uncommon exploits in Jesus name Amen.
•Pastor Josiah KGS, GPPM.
+234-805-551-6088
pastorjosiahkehinde@gmail.com