Online Sermons
Lesson #5 - Criticism
Series: Taming The TongueLesson #5 – Criticism
1. In Prov.25:11, Solomon writes:
Like apples of gold in a setting of silver is a word spoken in the right circumstance.
Do you perceive yourself to be highly (overly) critical? How do others view you?
Do you feel an obligation to criticize others?
Does such always work to bring about appreciation? – cf. Prov.9:8
What makes for “the right circumstance”?
Why do some people seem to have “a poor sense of timing”?
On the flipside, read the essay written by Tom Kelton on Lincoln And Criticis2. What’s wrong with judging others?
Does not require good judgment to appoint church leaders? cf. 1Tim.3:1-13
Did Paul not tell the church in Rome to keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances…? (Rom. 16:17)
Yet, didn’t Paul also write to this same church: Why do you judge your brother? (Rom.14:10 & 13)
Since we are safe to conclude that Paul is not speaking with a forked-tongue, what’s the difference?
In Mt.7:1-2, Jesus taught - - Do not judge lest you be judged.
Was Jesus teaching us not to use wise discernment or was He teaching us not to harshly critical? He went on to say - - For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
What happened when Aaron & Miriam criticized Moses? – cf. Num.12:2ff
What happened when Korah led others in falsely criticizing Moses & Aaron? – cf. Num16:1ff, noting vs.49
Can we rightly fault David’s elder brother for his harsh criticism of David? – cf. 1Sam.17:28
How would you define “a censorious spirit”?
Do you have a problem with FAULT-FINDING?
Do you sometimes draw false conclusions from hasty deductions?
Do you tend to “give advice” when it may not be requested or wanted?
3. Is it easier to see the faults in others than to see the faults in ourself?
Note Mt.7:3 / why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own?
Is it wrong to be eager to cast stones at others? - cf. Jn.8:7 and Gal.6:1
Faults in others I can see; But praise the Lord, there’s none in me.
Have you noticed that some people can find fault with just about anything and everything?
Read the essay, Criticism And You, by Gary Kirkendall (on the flipside).
4. Regarding “constructive” criticism, is it possible to be well-intentioned but nonetheless harmful?
Can the good intentions of a faultfinder be misinterpreted by the one receiving the criticism?
Can constant criticism evolve in harping and nagging and end up being counter-productive and destructive?
Does the way we criticize (tone, setting, frequency, etc.) have a bearing on receptivity?
