“Whoever hates correction is stupid” (Prov.12:1). “Don’t bother correcting mockers; they will only hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you” (Prov.15:1) “Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves” (Prov. 15:31–32).
Lord Jesus, scanning through Proverbs in my old NIV, I’m convicted about how many verses I’ve underlined about the beauty of teachability and receiving correction, and the foolishness of being defensive and resenting feedback. I wish highlighted verses in my Bible was synonymous with humility in my heart. Alas, it’s not. Indeed, we don’t just read the Bible, it also reads us—revealing the ways we remain unlike you in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Precisely because we’re already forgiven, robed in your righteousness, and non-condemnable (Rom. 8:1), we can live in the freedom of “convict-ability,” humility, and “repent-ability.” Thank you, Jesus.
I went to bed “pickily” and a bit self-righteous; I wake up convicted and greeted by your new mercies. You give grace to the humble, but resist the proud. I don’t want your resistance, Jesus, and I gladly receive all the grace you will give me. Thank you for speaking so frankly, Jesus—“Whoever hates correction is stupid.” And thank you for speaking so profoundly—“Come to me all of you who are weary and heavily burdened. I will give you rest” (Matt.11:28).
Thank you Jesus, for I am weary and burdened of not being as free, loving, and humble as you intend. Hallelujah, you’ve taken the judgment I deserve and have given me a righteousness I could never earn. And I trust you to continue to work in my heart until the Day I will see you as you are, and will be made like you (1Jn3:1-3)—Oh, glorious and certain Day. So Very Amen.