Four young guitarists were selected to receive a lesson from one of the most famous and skilled guitarists on the planet.  As I watched the film of this amazing experience, I saw great variety in their emotions and attitudes.  Some looked terrified to be in the same room with this “guitar god.”  One eagerly soaked up his every word, hoping, I suppose, to be dusted and transformed by the pixie dust of his talent.

But, one guy seemed to want to impress the “guitar star.”  When it came time for him to play a few bars, he laid into it with a great deal of confidence and arrogance.  The instructor listened, thought for a few moments, and then quietly offered a suggestion on how he might adjust the tremolo bar on his guitar to use it more smoothly.  I was stunned by the precision of his insight.  But the kid argued, saying, in effect, “I just like to do it my way.”  What a wasted opportunity!

I remembered that kid when I came across this proverb a few days later:

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,
but a wise man listens to advice.”  (Proverbs 12:15)