“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”  — Proverbs 13:1

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” — Proverbs 12:1

“A scoffer does not like to be reproved; he will not go to the wise.” — Proverbs 15:12

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” — Proverbs 12:15

Let’s be honest.  Who among us can honestly say that we’ve always been completely open to the idea of someone telling us we’re wrong?  What human being is there who has lived his or her entire life having never thought of themselves as being “always right” about a particular thing, even though the truth shows otherwise?

We’ve all been like this at times.  Some of us live their whole lives like this.

Concerning those types of people, they’re always fun to be around, aren’t they?  Especially if you even hint that they might be wrong or there might be a better way than their way.

“Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury.  Do not reprove a scoffer, or he will hate you; reprove a wise man, and he will love you.”  — Proverbs 9:7-8

“Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the good sense of your words.” — Proverbs 23:9

“A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” — Proverbs 18:2

Such people are a joy to be around, aren’t they?

Consider this.  Sooner or later, what tends to happen to the arrogant person who thinks they’re always right?  Think of the times when you just couldn’t consider the possibility that you might be mistaken about something…and then it turns out that you were.  Did it cost you something when you were proven wrong?  When you look back on it, do you wish you had listened to the advice and constructive criticism of others?

“He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.” — Proverbs 29:1

“The wise of heart will receive commandments, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.” == Proverbs 10:8

“Poverty and disgrace come to him who ignores instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is honored.” — Proverbs 13:18

How much better to have humility and be open to views other than your own!  You will grow wiser…and wisdom will come without the pain of “having learned the hard way” due to your mistaken, arrogant insistence that you were right all the time.

“A fool despises his father’s instruction, but whoever heeds reproof is prudent.” — Proverbs 15:5

“The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise.  Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence.” — Proverbs 15:31-32

“Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.” — Proverbs 25:12

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” — Proverbs 18:15

“By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom.” — Proverbs 13:10

Do you have big goals, big dreams?  Do you want to achieve them?  Be open to advice.

“Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” — Proverbs 15:22

“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” — Proverbs 11:14

And as for the guy or gal at work or among your friends who always insists on their own way and demands that you agree with them because they think they’re always right…

“Drive out a scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease.” — Proverbs 22:10

Life’s just too short.  So don’t be foolish and think you’re “all that,” because you’re not.  None of us are.  Be humble, be open for advice and constructive criticism…and thus be wise.