Scripture Reading: Psalm 141
“Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.”—Psalm 141:5
Most teachers will tell you, a student must be willing to learn for the teacher to have any hope of success. Equally, the student must recognize their need for education, and respect the knowledge and position of the teacher. The wise student is not only willing to learn, they are open to being taught.
Learning to accept rebuke or correction is no different. We must recognize the need to learn and grow as lifelong students. We submit ourselves to lifelong study by our willingness to learn and accept the authority of lifelong teachers. The psalmist refers to the righteous as the ones positioned to offer correction—our teachers.
Somehow it’s different, even difficult when the correction is not in an academic environment. We may bristle over someone’s right to offering correction. Still, we lifelong students can learn to respect the knowledge (experiences) and position (righteousness) of those qualified to offer godly counsel. Not from any position of meddling self-appointed authority or self-righteousness, but as loving, spiritual guardians, siblings or friends.
The psalmist eagerly implores the righteous to offer correction. The strike or correction is even called “kindness.” The correction is like oil on the head, designed to protect, refresh and heal. Shepherds anointed the head of sheep with oil to protect the animals from deadly insect and lice infestations. Righteous counsel can seem “messy” like anointing oil, but it offers protection for those willing to receive its covering over their lives.
Few people are eager to hear correction. Still, the counsel of the righteous is designed to provide strength and encouragement in our lifelong learning process. We will always face correction from someone. Let it be from the godly—always confirmed by the Spirit and Word of God. Although sometimes painful, godly correction is designed for our protection, refreshment and healing.
Question to Ponder: Do I seek to learn from the wise and experienced? Or do I react to godly correction with contempt or justifications?
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise Than for a man to hear the song of fools.”—Ecclesiastes 7:5
