Constructive Criticism vs. Destructive Criticism

There is a time and place for healthy criticism, when another person is living in open sin or engaging in a lifestyle that is not right. It is then that criticism can be healing or redemptive, if it is truly constructive criticism. But for the most part, criticism demeans or degrades or humiliates another, often to make the critical person look better. Depreciating another to make a point or make ourselves look better is sinful, particularly when the depreciating robs the other of a sense of personal worth.
Proverbs 12:16-18 . . . 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.
Ecclesiastes 7:5 . . . It is 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 Corinthians 4:3-5 . . . My conscience is clear, but that isn’t what matters. 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 Peter 4:14 . . . Be happy if you are insulted for being a Christian, for then the glorious Spirit of God will come upon you.
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.