Mission Venture Ministries

The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces. (Proverbs 10:8) 

Nobody likes criticism, but we should remember that God can use it to tell us something important as Proverbs 10:8-18 describes. Therefore, we are wise to pay attention when kind and godly people critique us or give us advice, instead of harboring bitterness. Their words, whether asked for or not, should encourage us to examine ourselves and discover who we really are. If we don’t listen, we can deprive ourselves of receiving something important. 

That’s why it’s important to respond well and evaluate advice or constructive criticism correctly. Instead of immediately becoming defensive or assuming you’re without fault, ask yourself, is the Lord trying to teach me something in this moment?  It’s wise not to automatically reject the advice, blame the person who made it, or defend yourself. Instead, consider what was said and ask God to continue revealing His will for your life. Then thank the person and explain that you’ll reflect on their observation. 

Today’s passage reminds us: “The wise of heart will receive commands” and the “one who is on the path of life follows instruction” (vv. 8, 17). If we wish to continue growing in Christ likeness, we must be open to receive the Lord’s teachings via whatever or whomever He chooses. 

When we read Ephesians 4:31 it tells us to “let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” This is a very important point that Paul is making when he quickly expounds on six areas of sin which Christians should make a conscious effort to avoid.

The first point Paul addresses is bitterness, a defect in our attitude which can cause trouble with other people (Hebrews 12:15). Bitterness is closely related to jealousy (Romans 13:13), and to dissatisfaction.

Paul’s second flaw to be “put away” is wrath. The Greek term here is thymos, which implies something hot, fierce, and passionate. This could be described as “rage.” Anger which boils over to the point that it controls us, causing us to act wildly or carelessly, it is not righteous anger; it is “wrath.”

Third, Paul notes anger. Paul’s reference here is to the more worldly type of anger, which results from frustrations in life. This is the “persistent” anger which becomes a habit. Irritations and annoyances cannot always be avoided, but we can work to limit how much anger we express in our lives.

Fourth, Paul lists clamor, using the Greek word kraugē. This term implies noise, commotion, and uproar (Acts 23:9). Believers are not to be known as obnoxious, riotous, troublemaking, annoying people. This word is also translated as “quarreling,” with Paul emphasizing that believers are to “put away” an argumentative attitude.

Fifth, Paul speaks against slander, which involves speaking false evils about others. The concept of slander doesn’t only include lies, however. Any attempt to put others down, in an inappropriate way, is considered “slander.”

Sixth, Paul adds malice. In this case, he uses the word kakia, which implies evil intent. The word carries the idea of deliberate harm, or intent to injure. This is the attitude which actively hopes to see others suffer consequences, harms, or troubles. Malice is the attitude which leads to revenge (Proverbs 20:22; Romans 12:19). Believers are NOT to be known for evil, but are to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). 

So, if someone comes to talk to you with godly advice thank God for them and for their willingness to come to see you even in an awkward situation to point out your mistakes so that you can change, grow and bear good fruit.  Therefore, “listen as Wisdom calls out! . . . Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it” (Proverbs 8:1, 33). 

*******