Criticism and Praise

What the bible has to say:

Proverbs 10:17 - "People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray." 

Proverbs 13:10 - "Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise."

​Proverbs 13:18 – “If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” 

Proverbs 15:31 –“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” 

Proverbs 15:32 – “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself;  but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” 

Proverbs 19:20 – “Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.”

Proverbs 23:12 – “Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.” 

Proverbs 25:12 –“To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry.” 

Proverbs 29:1 – “Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.” 

Proverbs 15:22 – “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.”

Proverbs 27:2 –“Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth— a stranger, not your own lips.” 

Zephaniah 3: 19-20 – “19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth. 20 At that time I will bring you in, at the time when I gather you together; for I will make you renowned and praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the LORD.” 

The Dr. Charles Stanley Sermon Series Part 1 & 2 September 16 & 17, 2013 is highly instructive in light of all the messages we find in scripture above on this topic.

In Part 1, Dr. Stanley advises us HOW to respond to Criticism & Praise, whether valid or invalid, from a friend or enemy. He quotes the Life Application Bible, which has several verses, which are easier to understand. SEVERAL of his suggestions in this Part 1 are ABSOLUTELY essential for all of us to understand and use DAILY. 

Further readings: The Book of Proverbs has much of the “Wisdom Literature” in the Old Testament  (OT), the other books being Job, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon, together with the wisdom psalms (eg. Psalm 112). In the New Testament the Book of James and Jesus’ teachings belong in the same category of “Wisdom Literature”.

My favorite quote: Beware the man or woman, who will not accept criticism or does not praise God for ALL they have… Anonymous