Videotaping had not gone well. Between adverse weather
conditions and sound problems, recording outdoors had proven challenging. After
three attempts, it seemed like I finally had something to work with - until my
husband, Steve, pointed out a statement that wasn't accurate. He felt it might
offend someone, and the segment should be changed.
Protests began forming in my mind. After spending the better
part of the afternoon putting the video together, I cringed at the thought of
having to re-do the project. But the thought of conveying inaccurate
information with the possibility of offending someone, convinced me to consider
Steve's point.
Fortunately, Steve was able to edit the video and remove the
inaccurate information, so I didn't have to re-shoot the entire episode.
The Bible has a lot to say about listening to wise counsel
and responding to criticism. The book of Proverbs, written by Solomon reminds
me, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth
unto counsel is wise," (Proverbs 12:15; KJV). A few chapters later, I'm
encouraged to, "Hear counsel, and receive instruction..." so I can
increase in wisdom(Proverbs 19:20).
Unfortunately, Solomon's own son, Rehoboam, failed to learn
these important lessons. When he began his reign, Rehoboam was approached by
the people of Israel with a request - to lighten the harsh labor and heavy
burden King Solomon had put upon them. If Rehoboam did as they asked, they
would serve him as long as he was their king.
Rehoboam sought counsel. He heard the advice of the older
men who had been his father's advisers. They encouraged Rehoboam to speak and
act with kindness toward the people. They anticipated that it would gain him the
people's loyalty. When he asked for the advice of his peers, they recommended
treating the people with harshness and increasing their work load.
Which counsel did Rehoboam choose? The advice of his peers. Ultimately, his
desire for power and control cost him the allegiance of Israel (2 Chronicles
10:16). A refusal to listen to wise counsel led Rehoboam to make a foolish
decision that had dramatic consequences.
Do you listen to wise counsel? Are you able to accept
criticism? You can choose to live according to the words of James 1:19 today,
"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to
speak, slow to wrath:"
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me to seek
godly counsel and to respond to criticism in the right way. Forgive me when I
react in pride and choose only what's convenient for me. Help me to be quick to
listen, and to use words that please You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
