It is well known that we all sin (Rom. 3:23). We all make errors in judgment. None of us are perfect. We know this. We can easily see the mistakes others make. Maybe those of us with great insight into ourselves and the maturity to be honest with ourselves about our own shortcomings can even see our own faults.

So we all make mistakes. Just don’t tell me about mine.

Humanity generally shies away from reproof and correction. None of us have risen at the crack of dawn with a smile on our face, thinking that today is going to be a good day because we’re going to ask my spouse/boss/parents/friends to share with us all the areas in which they think we could improve ourselves.

Why do we not want to receive or accept correction? There are undoubtedly many reasons, but perhaps pride is the biggest one. Perhaps our pride keeps us from realizing that correction is in fact a blessing when it is given in the right way and received in the right way.

Consider this verse.

Proverbs 23:23 (ESV)
²³ Buy truth, and do not sell it; buy wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

God wants us to metaphorically purchase “truth,” as well as “wisdom, instruction, and understanding.” But when was the last time you purchased something about which you saw absolutely no value in owning?

When we see the benefits that come from receiving instruction and understanding, when we understand that obtaining wisdom and the whole truth about any matter in life will likely mean that we’ll find our toes being squashed because we didn’t actually believe or say or do the right thing after all…and we’re okay with that because we see that there is more value in knowing what is actually true and right and wise than there is in pridefully continuing down a wrong path…

…well, that’s when we will see that purchasing truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding is actually a great investment which will pay us rich dividends.

Proverbs 10:17 (ESV)
¹⁷ Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

Proverbs 15:33 (ESV)
³³ The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.

Proverbs 9:9 (ESV)
⁹ Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)
¹² Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

Proverbs 21:11 (ESV)
¹¹ When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.

Proverbs 13:1 (ESV)
¹ A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.