Be quick to receive the truth when someone corrects you, and be quicker to dismiss the gossip about someone else.

It’s easy to get distracted from what you should be thinking about. You can start the day by reading the Bible and meditating on a few spiritual thoughts. But during the course of the day, someone will say something that offends you (and then you will have resentful thoughts), or you’ll year a rumor and get caught in the snare of gossip. It’s a constant struggle to keep your mind on the things of God. Moving to a monastery isn’t an option for most of us, so you’ll have to learn to manage your thoughts.

If you hear a personal criticism, don’t overreact. While some of the comment may be false, there just might be a shred of truth in there. Maybe you can learn and improve from it. And if you hear a criticism of someone else, don’t dwell on it. When your mind strays, focus on God.

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8