a critical problem

During a recent Bible study we were discussing what Proverbs has to say about criticism:

The ear that listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. Whoever ignores instruction despises himself, but he who listens to reproof gains intelligence. The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor.
-- Proverbs 15:31-33

He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
-- Proverbs 29:1

The point that was made is that criticism is a good thing. It's not easy to accept, it can hurt, but if we swallow our pride and listen to it we can learn some valuable lessons. From criticism we can learn about the flaws we hide from ourselves, about the weaknesses that we don't want to confront.

It's a good point, but it occurs to me that there's an easily overlooked corollary: if criticism can teach us about our flaws, it will be most effective when we allow people to see our flaws. It's natural to fear vulnerability. It's natural to try to control the face we present to the world, to hide our flaws and failures. It's incredibly difficult to overcome our pride and let people see what we're really like, but it's necessary if we want to obtain the full blessings of criticism.

Easier said than done, I'm afraid--it's something I really need to work on.