Do you have to be right?

Today’s Proverb: A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but the wise listen to advice. Proverbs 12:15

Maybe it’s because I am the eldest child or other childhood circumstances, but I have struggled with the need to be right. A friend once called it a “lust” for being right. The lust for being right is a trap. It keeps me, and others like me, trapped in a gloopy mire of insecurity and pride with the compulsion to be relevant and heard at any cost. That compulsion sticks to everything we touch and keeps people from getting close to us.

Honestly, in many situations I am right, but that overwhelming need to prove it, or lord it over another is so wrong. When others attempt to give their side or another point of view, I would tend to not listen but wait until it was my turn to speak.

Today’s passage reminds me that listening is wise. It’s the first step to overcoming that foolish need to be right.

How do I know if my opinion is “right”, if I don’t listen to others’ opinions?

MY FIRST REVELATION

If I can’t listen, then how can I hear from my Heavenly Father? And even if I am right, does He want me to broadcast it? Or does He want to teach others Himself? My knowing is to pray for others and to be there to confirm what He is showing them.

Maybe it all boils down to humility — not insecurity about my opinion — real humility that sees others as capable of hearing from God, too.

By being open to the possibility of a different perspective, the LORD may show me something new — a deeper insight. And — gulp — that it is okay to be wrong. And — double gulp — admit to being wrong.

Anyway, I think it boils down to this, the good is not being right, it’s all about being wise.

The good is not being right, it’s being wise.

THE ULTIMATE REVELATION

May we be wise, my friends.

Proverbs 12:15 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs