Radical Wisdom: A 7-Day Journey for LeadersSample

The Curse of Criticism  

There’s a huge difference between correction and criticism. The word “criticize” isn’t found in the Bible. In fact, most of the verses about criticism use words like “correction,” “reproof,” “discipline,” and “instruction.”

Verses like Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” And Matthew 18:15, “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”

Over and over, God’s Word warns us against being harsh, stirring up anger, and judging people. Over and over, He tells us to be edifying and uplifting.

Criticism is “the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.” Disapproval of someone is the problem! As parents, mentors, and leaders, we need to disapprove of sinful behavior but not of sinful people. 

It takes patience and care to correct the behavior without criticizing the person. I’m afraid leaders today are messing up on this . . . at home with their kids, at work with their co-workers. In the hurry of life, they’re criticizing instead of correcting. In a busy moment, it’s easy to get the two mixed up and revert to a critical spirit and harsh tone.

Over time, that will lead to low self-esteem, which is a curse that haunts us throughout life. It shows up as defensiveness, perfectionism, and depression. Other leaders are so into positivity and so want other people to be happy that they rarely give correction. Over time, that will lead to entitlement, arrogance, a critical spirit, and, ultimately, to low self-esteem.

Question: Will you discipline yourself to correct vs. criticize? Will you be fully committed to truth and to graciously leading others to live? Will you ask God to prick your spirit when you’re about to criticize instead of developing the people you lead?