One of the strangest things about human pride is our agreement that we need correction, but our hatred of receiving it. Nevertheless, Proverbs lays much weight on the virtue of receiving (and giving) needed correction.

I. The Need For Correction

• Our tendency toward self-destruction (14:12, 21:16)
• Our tendency toward self-righteousness (12:15, 16:2, 20:9)

II. The Obstacles to Correction

• Our pride which hates to receive it (15:12)
• Our pride which hates to give it (27:5-6, 28:23)

III. The Consequences of Refusing It

• Branded stupid and foolish (12:1; 15:5, 17:10)
• Go astray (10:17)
• Trouble (28:14)
• Poverty & shame (13:18)
• Destruction (13:13, 29:1)
• Death (15:10)

IV. The Blessing of Receiving It

• Happiness (28:14)
• Deliverance (28:26)
• Gaining Wisdom (15:31-32)

V. How to Receive It

• Expect It (3:11)
• Ask For It (Ps 141:5)
• Listen to Those Giving It (9:8)
• Listen with a view to obeying (25:12)

VI. How to Administer It

• Let love motivate it (Prov 27:5-6)
• Put man-pleasing aside (28:23)
• Consider the receptivity of the person (9:7, 26:4-5, 19:25, 17:10)
• Make sure you are plausibly related to the problem (26:17)
• Choose your words and your timing carefully (15:23)