30 Days in Proverbsਨਮੂਨਾ

Proverbs 29 opens with a powerful reminder about the blessing of heeding correction. And, when I think about that, several biblical examples come to mind—Moses, the disciples, Apollos—but, since I’m reading the Pentateuch right now, Moses feels particularly fresh in my mind.

In Exodus 18, Moses had just led the Israelites out of Egypt. His father-in-law, Jethro, visits and observes a day in Moses’ life. He notices something important: Moses has taken on too much. He’s acting as judge for every matter, big or small, and it’s exhausting.

Jethro tells him in verse 17: “The thing that you do is not good… You are not able to perform it by yourself. Listen to my counsel, and God will be with you… Select able men… to be rulers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens… Let them judge the people at all times, and every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they themselves shall judge. Then it will be easier for you, for they will bear the burden with you" (ESV).

Moses wasn’t doing a poor job or shirking responsibility. He was leading millions, and Jethro wisely saw the risk of burnout. So, he advised Moses to train others to share the load—and Moses listened. He didn’t scoff, or get defensive, or think he had all the answers. He received instruction, and it served him—and the nation—well.

Friend, I want to ask you: how do you handle instruction? Do you resist it, silently or outwardly? Or do you take it in, meditate on it, and let it shape you? A teachable spirit is a powerful tool. God can only increase your reach and impact when your heart is open to wisdom, even—and especially—from others.

Of course, there’s a difference between wise, godly counsel from someone you trust and the harsh critique of someone with a critical spirit. Discernment is key. Take in what will help you grow, and let go of what’s meant to tear you down.

Here’s a practical way to handle feedback from a trusted source:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit how you can grow from it. What’s the lesson here?
2. Brainstorm how you’ll implement what you’ve learned.
3. Don’t worry if you forget or stumble—try again. The more you practice, the more it becomes part of your character.

Receiving correction well isn’t always easy—I know my flesh resists—but every time I’ve embraced it, God has used it to stretch and grow me.

So, embrace the growth. Stay humble, stay teachable, and watch how God multiplies your life when your heart is open to wisdom.