Time to Let the Water Roll Off Your Back: Proverbs 23:15-18

I wonder, have you ever realized that ducks have a special oil on their feathers that does not let water soak in? Whether they’re swimming above water or taking a dip under the water, the bottom line with a duck is that the water will fall off their backs. They can’t get weighted down by rain, excess water, or even snow when it falls upon the water. There’s a lesson we can learn from the duck as it relates to people speaking to us about things we think are either critical or not in a tone we like.

First recognize there is what’s called constructive and destructive criticism. The first is intended to help you, and the second is meant to harm you. Whether constructive or destructive, from someone you like or dislike, whether you respect them or have contempt for them, never forget to just concentrate of what’s said and not who said it. The goal for you is to be the best you that you can be. God said to be ye perfect (Matthew 5:48), so they’re in their own weird way helping you achieve God’s goal for your life.

Second, stop being offended by every comment that someone says to you that you don’t like. Understand that a biblical offense by definition is when one either (1) intends to hurt you, (2) intends to trap you, or (3) intends to make you slip. If the individual didn’t do any of these things, biblically speaking, you can’t say you are offended! So instead of being offended, we must begin to mature like growing people of God (1 Corinthians: 1-3).

Then finally, stop looking just for people who say what you want to hear. If we could be honest with you, they are not really your friends, but people who will hinder you from becoming complete (finished and whole). Solomon’s son, Rehoboam began listening to so called friends, and people who said what he really wanted to hear. He created a disaster for the people of his nation, and things haven’t been the same since (2 Chronicles 10:6-8, 18-19). Learn from others mistakes!

When someone says, "Ah, let it go like water off a duck's back," it means that you aren't letting negative comments or whatever may be bugging you "soak in" and get to you, much like the oil on duck feathers won't let the water soak in. Remember that the next time a storm of complaining, criticism, or controversy comes your way. Simply say four words: let it roll off!