“The wisdom that comes from heaven is… submissive” (James 3:17 NIV)
A truly wise person understands that their knowledge is limited. When someone else challenges their views, they are willing to listen, consider, and learn from them. Instead of defensively holding onto their position, they remain open to correction and ready to be shaped by the truth in order to grow in wisdom.
A great example of this is the apostle Paul. In his earlier years, he was a fierce opponent of Christianity, dedicating himself to persecuting anyone who followed Jesus. Looking back on that time, Paul admits, “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” (Acts 9:9 NIV) But one day, everything changed. Paul encountered a blinding light, and Jesus Himself appeared to him, telling him to be His witness from that moment on. This powerful experience led Paul to completely turnaround. As he later recounts, “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (Acts 9:19 NIV). Paul humbled himself and allowed his misguided views to be corrected by the truth of heavenly wisdom.
While most of us may not have such a dramatic encounter with Jesus, the question remains: How do you react when others correct you? What happens when the Bible challenges your beliefs or views?