Fine art of criticizing

THE BIBLE has a few choice words for critics.

Here’s an excerpt from The Complete Guide to the Bible, Student Edition. It’s from the section called “Where to Find it in the Bible.”

CRITICISM
As far as the Bible is concerned, criticizing others is something best given to and from friends—in a spirit of loving concern, without anger or hypocrisy.

When to keep quiet

• Why do you notice the little piece of dust in your friend’s eye, but you don’t notice the big piece of wood in your own eye? (Luke 6:41, CEV)

• Welcome all the Lord’s followers, even those whose faith is weak. Don’t criticize them for having beliefs that are different from yours. . . . Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right, and the Lord will make sure that they do right. (Romans 14:1, 4, CEV)

• Do not correct those who make fun of wisdom, or they will hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you. (Proverbs 9:8, CEV)

Listen to constructive criticism

• If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. (Psalm 15:31, NLT)

• It is better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool! (Ecclesiastes 7:5, NLT)

• If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you will be honored. (Proverbs 13:18, NLT)

How to disarm your critics

• Keep a clear conscience so that those who speak evil of your good life in Christ will be made ashamed. (1 Peter 3:16, NCV)