Correct Me If I Am Wrong

"The first one to plead his cause seems right, 

Until his neighbor comes and examines him." 

(Proverbs 18: 17 nkjv) 

I have previously written on this wise proverb in the posting titled "A Wise Proverb - Invite Criticism" (See here). This time I have titled this follow up as "Correct me if I am wrong," which is a common request that speakers make when stating a presumed fact. Oftentimes this is said regarding some minor detail as when one says "the meeting time is Sunday at 9 A.M. at the public library; correct me if I am wrong." Rarely however does a bible teacher or politician, or other such persons, ask for such correction on more important issues. That is sad and not healthy. I contend that we should all invite examination of our beliefs, desiring "constructive criticism." In another posting titled "Again, I Am Befuddled" (See here) I wrote on this subject. In that posting I said:

"I do not think that my attack upon erroneous interpretations is wrangling. I try to avoid all logomachies and disputes over tertiary issues. What I am trying to do with erring brethren is to persuade them. I am also at the same time testing my interpretations. We are called of the Lord to "correct" those who are in error, especially about fundamental doctrine. Correcting is a delicate business. People don't like to be corrected. I used to often correct the grammar of others and I found most of them do not like it, although some don't mind at all, especially those who want to speak correctly. People don't like to be told that they are wrong. Many take a challenge to their ideas and interpretations as a personal attack." 

Maybe I am an oddball, but I invite criticism. Why? Because I don't want to be wrong. I want to be right and therefore if anyone can correct me, he or she does me a great favor. Not only that, but I also find it beneficial for my preacher brethren to sometimes tell me they agree with what I have written. I wrote on this in another posting titled "The Need For Colleagues" (See here), affirming that bible teachers and students need to collaborate on interpretations of scripture. Paul told the Corinthian brothers to "examine yourselves whether you be in the faith" and to "prove your own selves" (II Cor. 13: 5). I don't think that means that the only ones who are authorized to examine ourselves are our own selves, that no one else has the right to examine me. However, the text in Proverbs above tells us differently. 

How do you think a bible teacher or preacher would react if he or she was challenged regularly on his or her interpretations of scripture, whether they be on minor or major points? Some would no doubt say to themselves "this  person is a nitpicker?" or "why is this person on my case all the time?" I am happy to say, however, that this has not been the case with me and I believe that one of the commendations that I will receive from my Lord in the judgment of believers will be in regard to this character trait. I don't believe it is generally a good thing to toot one's own horn; But I don't think it is wrong to see yourself as you really are nor to put on a false show of humility. 

We are to judge ourselves, or be critics of ourselves. So the apostle advised, saying "For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." (I Cor. 11: 31 kjv) Of course, as many wise men have testified, we are often our own worst judges. We are either too hard on ourselves in judgment and self criticism, or we are too lenient, often becoming defensive when someone challenges our beliefs. Like the apostle James we may well say "brothers, these things ought not so to be." (James 3:10) 

We should be honest judges and critics, both of ourselves and of others. We must realize that most people are like the people described in the days of the Judges of Israel - “Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 21: 25) The fact is, however, most people are right in their own eyes even when they are wrong. Therefore we ought to seek the judgments of others concerning our behavior and beliefs for they often give us a perspective that we are blind to see. Solomon also said: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." (Prov. 12: 13 esv) Here "advice" includes hearing other's opinions, judgments and criticisms of ourselves. Notice these words of the wise king Solomon on the importance of being willing to listen kindly to honest criticism from others: "Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise." (Prov. 15: 31 niv)

A new testament example of how honest criticism and correction is a good thing is in the case of Apollos, an eloquent and mighty preacher. Luke writes: 

"He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." (Acts 18: 26 esv)

I want my brothers to give me feedback on what I write. I covet it. I also think that it is a duty that our brothers and neighbors owe to us. Parents owe it to their children to correct them. Teachers owe it to their students to correct them. We ought to be open to correction and not become defensive when criticized.

Of course there is a proper way to judge, examine, appraise, and correct our friends and neighbors. Notice Paul's words on this point:

"And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition." (2 Tim. 2:24)

What think ye? Can I get an amen?