HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 86
page A84
Criticism continued
to be listened to because you’ve made someone become defensive; and (4) bring greater
judgment on you from God, who detests when you hurt others.
How should I respond to criticism? How do I evaluate whether it is
constructive or destructive?
• PR O V E R B S 1 2 :1 6 -1 8 | A wise person stays calm when insulted. An honest witness tells
the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the
wise bring healing.
If you are criticized, stay calm and don’t lash back. Evaluate whether the criticism is coming from a person with a reputation for truth or lies. Ask yourself if the criticism is meant to
heal or hurt.
• E C C L E S I A S T E S 7 :5 | Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.
Measure criticism according to the stature of the person who is giving it.
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 4 :4 | My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord
himself who will examine me and decide.
Always work to maintain a clear conscience by being honest and trustworthy. This allows
you to shrug off criticism you know is unjustified.
• 1 P E T E R 4 :1 4 | If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed,
for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.
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Consider it a privilege to be criticized for your faith in God. God has special blessings for
those who patiently endure this kind of criticism.
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How can I benefit from constructive criticism?
• PR O V E R B S 1 5 :3 1 | If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among
the wise.
We shortchange our future when we reject truthful information about ourselves. Sometimes it’s painful to hear the truth, but it’s worse to carry on without improvement.
How do I prevent unjust criticism against me?
• R O MA NS 1 4 :1 8 | If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will
approve of you, too.
• MAT T H E W 7 :1 | “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”
You will usually avoid most criticism by avoiding words and actions that warrant criticism.
But recognize that some will criticize you simply because you are a follower of Jesus.
How do I offer criticism appropriately?
• J O H N 8 :7 | “Let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”
• R O MA NS 2 :1 | When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning
yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things.
Before criticizing another, take an inventory of your own sins and shortcomings so that you
can approach the person with understanding and humility.
• 1 C O R I NT H I A NS 1 3 :5 | [Love] does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps
no record of being wronged.
Constructive criticism is always offered in love, to build up. And criticism should always be
responded to in love as well.
PROMISES FROM GOD
• PR O V E R B S 1 2 :1 8 | Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.
• PR O V E R B S 1 5 :3 1 | If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.
• 1 P E T E R 4 :1 4 | If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be
blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.