by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas
Welcome to another in the series of periodic (or sporadic) posts on Proverbs for Writers.
This month’s post is from Proverbs 25:12 (NLT): To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.
From the CSB: A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.
From the MSG: The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry, And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.
I think all of us have heard in our writing careers that we need to develop a thick skin to handle criticism and rejection. And this is true. To a certain extent. If we want to succeed as writers, we can’t let harsh criticism or bad reviews or rejection by an agent or publisher throw us off course.
Along with a thick skin, we also need to develop discernment.
If all we have is a thick skin, this could lead to ignoring or rejecting valuable and helpful information. We plow ahead into more criticism and rejection, not knowing why it keeps happening. We keep beating our heads against the wall, only to discover the wall has gotten thicker and we’ve developed a flat spot on our foreheads.
Criticism and rejection are part of being a writer. A thick skin helps us get tough enough to receive it without going all to pieces.
Discernment is a gift God has for all writers. Like our faith, we need to develop it and strengthen it. How do we do that? The same way we strengthen our faith. We exercise it.
As the verses above tell us, valid criticism, good advice, wise correction, the right word, and a wise friend’s timely reprimand can be like the finest gold. If we are open to receiving it.
And we need to be open to it. One reason we join writers’ groups and critique groups is to get feedback. So why do we reject the feedback we don’t like?
We need to welcome it. We need to receive it as the valuable tool God designed it to be. This doesn’t mean we accept it like the tablets Moses brought down from Mt. Sinai.
This is where discernment comes in. This is where we pray over every critique and criticism and rejection we receive.
Heavenly Father,
Help me read this criticism with an open mind and heart. Help me to see what you want me to see in these comments.
And help me to identify the comments I don’t need to hear, those that will mislead or harm my writing.
Help me to discern and receive the valuable comment, the nuggets of gold, the finest pieces of jewelry I can apply and make my writing shine for your glory, not for mine.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
How do you exercise discernment in receiving criticism?
TWEETABLE
This is wise advice. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHenry,
ReplyDeleteThank you for these keen insights for every writer whether brand new or experienced. May we have listening ears and discerning hearts combined with the Lord's faithful guidance of our steps.
Grateful,
Terry
author of Book Proposals That $ell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success (Revised Edition) [Follow the Link for a FREE copy]
Thanks, Terry. Appreciate your kind words and insights.
DeleteSuch good advice. It's hard for us to see our own weaknesses, but the Proverbs are full of reminders that the wise man (and the wise writer) listens to constructive criticism.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kay.
DeleteThank you for your post, Mr. McLaughlin. Here is my process when receiving a critique:
ReplyDelete1) I give the one who is offering the critique the benefit of the doubt. This helps me to keep an open mind and avoid any pre-established assumptions. After all, if I asked for the critique, why would I not consider it? :)
2) I go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him for discernment in separating the wheat from the chaff. I ask Him what parts of the advice I need to apply and what parts I do not. Then I apply the valid parts to my work and ignore the rest.
3) If the criticism is of a theological nature, I then measure it against the Word of God. If it agrees with the Word, then I receive it gladly. If it does not agree with the Word, I dismiss it.