4. Listen to the critic who has a gracious spirit.
A wise critic will approach you with humility and kindness—friendship. Even when you disagree, the spirit will be right.
Behind-the-back commentary, public online attacks, 140-character assaults—this stuff is cowardly, fruitless and WAY too common. It’s the undeniable evidence of ulterior motive and deception. It’s sad.
The guy who will come to you as a friend—he’s a rare gem! Listen to that guy! Block out the rest.
Ecclesiastes 10:12 “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself.”
5. Listen to the critic who is wise.
The Christian world is full of people who speak first and think later (or never). They fling words into cyberspace without seeking truth or understanding.
Answering these people is futile. They don’t want answers. They want banter. The relish the conjecture, and they have lots of time for it.
In contrast, a truly wise man is a rare treasure. Wise men choose their words carefully.
They pray. They know God. When they speak, their words are VERY MUCH worth hearing.
I have a short list of very wise men in my life, and I can’t get enough of them! I’ll take all the criticism they want to give me. Because of their wisdom, their criticism is always true, always a help, always loving and always tends toward growth.
Proverbs 29:11 “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterward.”
Proverbs 13:20 “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.”
6. Listen to the critic who has biblical support.
Opinions and preferences are a dime a dozen. Wise critics truly know God’s Word and handle it honestly.
Also, a wise critic knows not to stretch truth or impose preference onto God’s Word. God has placed men like this into my life, and I can tell you for sure, I listen to them!
Job 5:17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.”
