Scripture
“Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning.” Ecclesiastes 4:13 NIV
Observation
When we get older, it seems it becomes harder to accept the opinions of others, and especially to be corrected. When we also have positive results reflected in our achievements, we become proud of the position we have reached. But the wise man says it is better to be poor and wise than to become a rich person who does not accept corrections and whose position in society blinds them.
Application
It is not easy to accept corrections, but we need to be people who set aside our pride and listen to warnings, because most of the time, they are for our own good. We need to be open to this. There is no point in seeking counsel if we only want approval for something we have already decided in our hearts. It is necessary to consider opinions that clash with how we are living and the attitudes we have taken, as they often lead us to see a perspective we are not seeing.
Prayer
Father, may I be flexible in listening to words of wisdom from others that will help me see what my own thoughts blind me to. Put people in my life with this difficult but essential role. In Jesus’ name, amen.
