“The faults of others are easily seen. The faults of my own person go unknown. If there exists a fault that becomes known to you, then you should think “it must be something so bad that I could know of it” and have a change of heart. One should simply and carefully rely on what others say. It was thus said because my faults go unknown.”

From Rennyo Shonin Go-ichidai Kiki Gaki, “Recording of what was heard during the life of Rennyo Shonin”

This sounds a lot like Matthew 7:3 in the Bible:

“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?”

Matthew 7:3, New American Standard Bible 1995

Both say to me that it’s easy to point your eyes outwards and neglect to use your ears to listen.

The next time someone offers something about you, take it in and consider it before deflecting it, rejecting it, defending against it, or otherwise missing the point. Maybe you’re getting a gift, even if it doesn’t seem to be wrapped in pretty paper.