Just because criticism can hurt doesn’t mean it’s not good for us. Scripture paints a positive picture of anyone who welcomes correction as wise (Proverbs 9:8, 15:31) and those who reject it as foolish. Furthermore, we’re instructed to use all Scripture “for reproof” and “for correction” for our good and God’s glory.

If you’re in any leadership position—whether a CEO over hundreds of employees or a parent raising children—you’re well-acquainted with criticism.

Unfortunately, the frequency of criticism doesn’t remove its sting. Most of us would like to lead well, so when we miss the mark, it can be discouraging.

But just because criticism can hurt doesn’t mean it’s not good for us. Scripture paints a positive picture of anyone who welcomes correction as wise (Proverbs 9:8, 15:31) and those who reject it as foolish. Furthermore, we’re instructed to use all Scripture “for reproof” and “for correction” for our good and God’s glory.

Whether God has entrusted you with two thousand employees or two children, your posture towards correction is too important to overlook. Consider a biblical view of correction as you evaluate your posture towards correction and its implications for your success, family, and spiritual health.

Correction Is Crucial to Every Leader’s Greatness

Since God alone is all-wise, every leader has blind spots. A leader’s greatness is often dependent on how much they allow others to speak hard words to them when they are in error. We’ve all read news headlines covering fallen leaders of highly profitable organizations, thousand-membership churches, and model families. One question I can’t help but ask is, “Did he or she invite correction, or were they surrounded by yes-people (Proverbs 27:6)?”

Such outcomes illustrate that success shouldn’t be measured solely by company revenue, church membership numbers, or well-behaved children. But a leader’s success must be defined holistically, with one’s disposition towards God’s purposes and plans at the center of what is considered greatness.

Greatness Defined and Illustrated

Isn’t it fascinating that Jesus used children and servants to illustrate what is required to achieve true greatness? Why? Consider the disposition a child or servant was expected to have in Jewish culture. No one was more likely to be corrected or criticized than a child or servants.

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