Proverbs 9:8

Proverbs 9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

The wise listen to wisdom and correction. They know their knowledge is limited, they are only human. Often our reaction to criticism is to defend or counter attack. This is a natural emotion when attacked, but not all criticism is offensive. Even if the purpose isn’t constructive, there maybe some truth in it. We should try to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).

It is also good to remember how we feel when corrected before we correct others.

15:1

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

The purpose of correction is to save, to help, and to heal. Our motivation should be love; a genuine desire for the welfare of others without any expectation of anything in return. Far too often we seek out flaws in others to make ourselves seem better. We tear other’s down to lift ourselves up. While there are times when harsh, bold words are called for, we should remember the natural reaction to an attack is to defend, or even counter attack. The more condescending we are, the less likely we are to receive a positive reaction. We would do well to remember we too have fallen short, and that with what judgment we judge, we will be judged. Can we live up to the standards we have for others?