Psalm 141:5

 

Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.

It truly takes a magnanimous soul to invite correction, to welcome constructive criticism, to be humbled by the counsel of the Lord and His servants. It may be a little strong to think of the righteous “smiting” anyone, but the point is that if a comment is made righteously, it indeed should be and ultimately would be “a kindness” if it resulted in an improved life. In the same spirit, if reproof is necessary, reproof is “an excellent oil.” We think of the use of consecrated oil being administered to the head of a loved one in a time of need. Surely that oil does not “break [our] head.” It is rather a gentle, even soothing, application.

It would be an advantage in our lives if we could be humble enough to accept any useful counsel as a kindness, and any caution, even a call to repentance, as “excellent oil.” Through it all, even in extreme moments that may seem to us like “calamities,” we should let our prayer of gratitude ascend for our own growth and for the concern of those who love us enough to correct us.