Wise critics and even honest friends can sometimes be difficult to listen to. It is far easier to turn our ears to words that are smooth and pleasing. There are many who try to please because they see some advantage for themselves in the future, and many others who compliment without any meaning in their words. Recognizing that fact of life might help us cherish the rebuke of someone who really does want to see us make a better effort in life (Proverbs 27:6).

Compliments are nice when they are sincere and real, but they can become harmful if they take us away from truth. “It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5). We should seek out and heed, not the words of the silver-tongued, but the advice of the wise—no matter how unpleasant.

Further reading:
“The Importance of Right Friendships”