What’s wrong with criticism? Criticism can be destructive. It’s in the Bible, Galatians 5:15, NIV. "If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other."

Someone has said that criticism of others often covers the need for self-criticism. What does that mean? The answer is in the Bible, Matthew 7:1-5, TLB. "Don’t criticize, and then you won’t be criticized. For others will treat you as you treat them. And why worry about a speck in the eye of a brother when you have a board in your own? Should you say, ‘Friend, let me help you get that speck out of your eye,’ when you can’t even see because of the board in your own? Hypocrite! First get rid of the board. Then you can see to help your brother."

Willingness to forgive is a part of constructive criticism. You’ll find it in the Bible, Luke 17:3, NIV. "So watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him."

I don’t agree with the way other people do things. Don’t I have the right to be critical? Be careful about your criticism. It’s in the Bible, Romans 14:1, TLB. "Give a warm welcome to any brother who wants to join you, even though his faith is weak. Don’t criticize him for having different ideas from yours about what is right and wrong."

What does God say happens to those who hand out criticism? The answer is in the Bible, Luke 6:37-38, TLB. "Never criticize or condemn--or it will all come back on you. Go easy on others; then they will do the same for you. For if you give, you will get!"

I have a hard time taking criticism. How can I be helped?. It is a wise man who tries to learn from criticism. You’ll find it in the Bible, Proverbs 9:8-9, TLB. "If you rebuke a mocker, you will only get a smart retort; yes, he will snarl at you. So don’t bother with him; he will only hate you for trying to help him. But a wise man, when rebuked, will love you all the more. Teach a wise man, and he will be wiser; teach a good man, and he will learn more."

How can I keep from being criticized by others? The answer is in the Bible, I Peter 3:16, NIV. "Keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."