Murder by InchesMurder by Inches

Harsh and unjust criticism is one of the cruelest uses of the tongue.

The TongueThe Tongue

• The Bible has much to say about the tongue

• It is difficult to control – but we must!

• One of the cruelest uses of the tongue – unjust criticism– Sensitive people can’t just brush it off– It hurts, cuts deep, affects

relationships

Jesus Knows CriticismJesus Knows Criticism

• Matthew 11:18-19Matthew 11:18-19 - 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”

Coping with CriticismCoping with Criticism

• Criticism will come our wayCriticism will come our way• If you are trying to do good – If you are trying to do good –

someone will criticizesomeone will criticize• ““Any fool can criticize, Any fool can criticize,

condemn, and complain – and condemn, and complain – and most fools do.” Benjamin most fools do.” Benjamin FranklinFranklin

Father, son, and their donkeyFather, son, and their donkey

• Son riding – Making the old man Son riding – Making the old man walkwalk

• Father riding – Making the small Father riding – Making the small child walkchild walk

• Both riding – Cruel to make 1 Both riding – Cruel to make 1 donkey carry 2 peopledonkey carry 2 people

• Both started carrying the donkeyBoth started carrying the donkey• They never made it to the marketThey never made it to the market

Examples of CriticismExamples of Criticism

• Israel criticized MosesIsrael criticized Moses

• 3 Friends criticized Job3 Friends criticized Job

• Eliab criticized DavidEliab criticized David

Evaluate CriticismEvaluate Criticism

• Not all criticism is destructiveNot all criticism is destructive• Take an honest lookTake an honest look• Is it justified?Is it justified?• How can I do it differently?How can I do it differently?• Consider the sourceConsider the source

– Godly person – done with love– Some are always critical

Responsibility to the CriticResponsibility to the Critic

• Listen to their criticismListen to their criticism• They see themselves as They see themselves as

helping, caring, wanting to helping, caring, wanting to make things bettermake things better

• ““Constant critics are often Constant critics are often warped, unhappy people trying warped, unhappy people trying to cover up their own to cover up their own inadequacies by pointing out inadequacies by pointing out the failings of other people.” the failings of other people.” Norman Vincent PealeNorman Vincent Peale

Responsibility to the CriticResponsibility to the Critic

• Don’t give them a piece of Don’t give them a piece of your mind – wasted effortyour mind – wasted effort

• Bitterness, revenge, hate – not Bitterness, revenge, hate – not the answerthe answer

• Matthew 5:43-48 – Love your Matthew 5:43-48 – Love your enemiesenemies

What will it do to you?What will it do to you?

• Criticism will murder youCriticism will murder you– Inch by inch– It kills the spirit, joy, pleasure of your work

• Criticism can make us better, Criticism can make us better, stronger, more effectivestronger, more effective

What will it do to you?What will it do to you?

• Criticism can:Criticism can:

• Drive people awayDrive people away• Divide the churchDivide the church• Rob us of our enthusiasm and Rob us of our enthusiasm and

joyjoy• Make us weak, ineffectiveMake us weak, ineffective• Hinder our work for the LordHinder our work for the Lord

Conclusion:Conclusion:

• Look from both viewpointsLook from both viewpoints– As a critic – Am I doing harm or good?As a critic – Am I doing harm or good?– As one being criticized – Is the criticism As one being criticized – Is the criticism

justified?justified?

• The tongue can be a harmful and The tongue can be a harmful and dangerous weapon if not handled dangerous weapon if not handled with care.with care.