The Second Reprimand (Prov. 29:1)

What do you do when you consistently hear the same criticism leveled against you?  (The question is not what should you do but what do you do.  What's been your m.o.?)

Perhaps the first time the critic was just wrong, misinformed, out to get you, acting with incomplete data, etc.  But the second time?  Third time?  This proverb suggests listening, giving the criticism serious thought (unless you want to have total destruction in your life).

Maybe the critic is right!  You may not care for the critic's approach, but is his content valid?  Answering that requires humility.  Take it from a pro:  Defensiveness is easier than repentance.

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall;
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king's horses and all the king's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Had Humpty fallen before?  How often had he been warned that eggs are not Weebles?  Eggs will wabble and they will fall down and they will go "Splat!"

Prayer:  God, help me listen and change much earlier in the process.  If I won't listen to the first reprimand, let me at least wake up by the second warning.  I don't want to live in the barrenness caused by my stubbornness.  Remind me to be quick to listen and slow to speak.