Ephesians 5:15 (ESV)
¹⁵  Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,

This is the time of year when we give gifts to our loved ones.  This often includes putting things together since many gifts need to be assembled.  When this is the case, we have one of two choices to make—follow the instructions provided, or go it alone, believing we can figure it out on our own.  Which course do you think is wiser?

Some people have a terrible time following instructions.  The wise, however, recognize when they need help and take advantage of the instructions they are given.  This is true not only when assembling things but also as a guiding principle in life.  

Proverbs 10:17 (ESV)
¹⁷  Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.

Listening is a lost art.  Too many people want to be heard but are unwilling to listen.  James reminds us of the importance of being quick to hear and slow to speak (James 1:19).  While truly listening to others is sometimes hard, it is even harder when we are listening to criticism, even if it is constructive.  From the second half of the verse, it is clear that listening to some kind of reproof is what Solomon had in mind.

None of us know it all, and we have all been wrong at times when we really thought we were right.  Being willing to listen when someone corrects us, and then be willing to change our point of view, and even our actions, is the course taken by those who walk wisely in life.

Apollos, a man who was eloquent in speech and mighty in the scriptures, showed this wisdom when he was confronted by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 17:24-28).  He was fervent in spirit, but he only knew the baptism of John.  When Priscilla and Aquila heard him speak, they knew he needed more instruction.

Acts 18:26 (ESV)
²⁶  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.

How did Apollos respond to this instruction?  He listened, and when he went to Achaia and preached, he greatly helped those who obeyed the gospel by boldly refuting unbelieving Jews, showing from God’s Word that Jesus was the Christ (vers. 27-28).  Apollos would have been of no value to the church if he was unwilling to listen to instruction.  Instead, he would have done just what Solomon said those who reject reproof would do—led others astray.

What do you do when someone tries to correct you?  Do you immediately become defensive and act as the Jews did when they heard the truth preached by Stephen?  The Bible says they, “stopped their ears” (Acts 7:57).  That unwise response to instruction left them on a path toward destruction.  Let us never become so full of ourselves that we refuse to listen to those trying to help us do better.  Instead, let us walk wisely and allow ourselves to be corrected when it is needed.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.