(Proverbs 29:1 KJV) He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
This brings to mind some recent conflict I have been having. I have this inner need to defend myself. I find myself getting very sensitive to criticism. The most common translation involves “hardens” (7185) and “neck” (6203). Another good translation is “stiff neck”. The ones that tend to paraphrase use “stubborn”. Any way you look at it involves a refusal to listen to criticism.
Yet it is not just criticism. It is Godly criticism which is labeled “reproof” (8433b). This is a part of the mature Christian life, the life of wisdom, that we don’t like. Part of the resistance is because we are trying to separate the false criticism from the genuine reproof. That is a healthy tension but too often it is simply a matter of not wanting to be corrected.
So? I need to struggle to listen instead of reject. It might be more than just me that needs to fight that battle but I don’t want to criticize. Right.
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2 comments:
God is one thing, people are another. Though we have a right to defend our reputations and opinions, people are so illogical with their hatefulness anymore that I often just "walk away" shaking my head. As they say, some folks wouldn't recognize the truth if you wrote it on a 2x4 and smacked them alongside the head with it.
You need to watch your language. "Logic" is a four letter word. You need to use the new Common Core math to get that but that is another topic.
Grace and peace.
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