Everyone's a Critic

We've already established that I'm a prideful person. I'm especially proud of the work that I do. I work hard to do the best that I can and when someone criticizes my work, with or without merit, I'm not happy. I don't take criticism well on anyone level and especially when it comes from someone not qualified to make the comment.

BUT...should it really matter who makes the comment or what kind of comment it is? Someone came into my office today and told me that there should have been a photo of a certain wrestler in the media guide...a media guide that was being produced for the first time thanks to me (there I go bragging about my work). I took offense to his comment and the fellow told me I was too defensive. That little word took me by surprise. No one had ever called me defensive before. Maybe he was right...no, he WAS right. And that attribute is something that I need to get rid of right now.

So what does the Bible say about handling criticism? Sounds like a job for King Solomon and the Proverbs.

Proverbs 9:7-9 - "He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Tech a just man, and he will increase in learning."

Talk about making me feel stupid. Solomon just said that by retaliating with a comment of my own, I not only made the scoffer resent me, but made myself look like an idiot in the process. Also, it proved how ignorant I am. Not only should I accept the criticism, I should want it! After all, I'm hardly perfect and there's always room for improvement. If I really want to do my best in sports information, I will take the suggestions, no matter how harsh they may be, and put them to use. Want to learn, want to get better at what you do and all along the way, give glory to God for helping you grow.