Les Brown said that one of his teachers comment played a big part in propelling him forward. His teacher said: Don't let someone else's opinion of you become your reality.
I could immediately relate with it because shortly after I became born-again, I read Proverbs 29 and the Holy Spirit engraved verse 25 in my heart. I've written about it* and till tomorrow it's one of my cornerstone verses. At that time, I had the Good News Bible which we were raised on.
With today's translations, this is the closest translation to what I read decades ago:
It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you,
but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. (Good News Translation)
I also like the rendition in one of my favorite translations:
The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. (The Message)
The bottom line, the way I see it, is:
People have a right to their opinions and I have an obligation to live my life to God's glory...not to others' opinions. The truth is that for your own good, there are times when you need to ignore opinions.**When you truly trust God, other people's opinions will not direct or affect your life.
I'm sure some people who know me well may now appreciate why (and how often) I say:
"I really don't care what others think." When you follow the footsteps of our Perfect example,*** you'll notice that Jesus 'fed'**** on God's guidance not man's mandates.
Whatever you do in life, avoid the trap of men's opinions or perceptions...focus on God's reality.
References:
*http://sapphire-and-beryl.blogspot.ca/2010/06/proverbs-2925.html
**Don’t listen [give your heart] to everything people say, or you might hear your servant insulting you. (Expanded Bible)
*** 1 Peter 2:21
**** John 4:34
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