Proverbs 12:15-17
The way of a fool is right in his own opinion,
but the one who listens to advice is wise.
A fool’s annoyance is known at once,
but the prudent overlooks an insult.
The faithful witness tells what is right,
but a false witness speaks deceit.
Ever known someone who refuses to change course, even though the whole world can see that it’s the wrong one? Someone who goes miles and miles in the wrong direction because they’re not willing to admit they made a wrong turn. Or a business that keeps making the same product in the exact same way even though there are many other, newer, better versions of the same product in the market. Or a church who refuses to change the way they do things because this is what we’ve always done, we’re not going to change now.
These are foolish decisions and foolish ways to act. A wise person stops and asks for directions when they’re not sure where to go. A wise business person adapts – or better yet – innovates to stay ahead of the market. A wise church changes everything to reach the lost – church isn’t about keeping people happy so the bills are paid, it’s about reaching the lost.
Along the same lines, how do you handle an insult? It can seem insulting to be told that you are wrong and going in the wrong direction. Of course there are more ways to be insulted in life than that. The question is, how do handle the insult? Does it make you mad? Do you throw a fit and need a time out? Or are you able to just overlook it. One thing I’ve learned is that insults are usually born out of jealousy or insecurity in someone else’s life. So, you’re either doing something good or doing something that is threatening to another person. Either way, you’re the bigger person, overlook it. Of course, insults aren’t always truthful either. They’re probably not mean to be, they’re just mean to hurt.
Whatever happens, be the wise person. Be the person who listens to advice, who ignores insults and who always tells the truth. If you do these things, you’ll find yourself a lot further down the road than most!