Definition and Context
To criticize is to express disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes. In a biblical context, criticism can be constructive or destructive, depending on the intent and manner in which it is delivered. The Bible provides guidance on how to approach criticism, emphasizing the importance of love, humility, and wisdom.

Biblical Principles on Criticism
The Bible encourages believers to exercise discernment and wisdom when offering criticism. Constructive criticism should be aimed at edification and growth, rather than tearing down or condemning others. Proverbs 27:5-6 states, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This passage highlights the value of honest and loving correction from a friend, as opposed to insincere flattery.

Criticism and Judgment
Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment in Matthew 7:1-5 : "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?" This teaching underscores the importance of self-examination before criticizing others, reminding believers to approach others with humility and self-awareness.

Constructive Criticism in the Church
The New Testament provides guidance on how to address sin and wrongdoing within the church community. Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." This verse emphasizes the need for gentleness and caution when correcting others, ensuring that the goal is restoration rather than condemnation.

The Role of Love in Criticism
Love is central to the Christian approach to criticism. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as patient, kind, and not easily angered. Criticism, when rooted in love, seeks the best for others and is delivered with patience and kindness. Ephesians 4:15 encourages believers to speak "the truth in love," promoting growth and unity within the body of Christ.

Avoiding Destructive Criticism
The Bible warns against destructive criticism, which can lead to division and strife. James 4:11-12 cautions, "Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it." This passage highlights the dangers of speaking ill of others and the importance of maintaining a spirit of unity and peace.

Examples of Criticism in Scripture
Several biblical figures faced criticism, both constructive and destructive. Moses, for instance, was criticized by his siblings, Aaron and Miriam, in Numbers 12. Their criticism was rooted in jealousy and led to God's rebuke. In contrast, Nathan the prophet offered constructive criticism to King David in 2 Samuel 12, leading to David's repentance and restoration.

Conclusion
The Bible provides a balanced view of criticism, encouraging believers to offer correction with love, humility, and wisdom. By following biblical principles, Christians can ensure that their criticism is constructive and aimed at building up the body of Christ.7279. ragan -- to murmur, whisper
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to murmur, whisper NASB Word Usage criticize
(1), grumbled (2), slanderer (1), whisperer (3). murmur. ...
/hebrew/7279.htm - 5k

The Old Testament and Comparative Religion
... sacred books are divine, prove it; lay your books open before the jury of the world,
let the critics scrutinize them, analyze them, criticize them, according ...
/.../eiselen/the christian view of the old testament/chapter v the old testament.htm

I Will Follow the Order of Your Letter, and Subjoin Your Very ...
... I was not so foolish as to criticize your illiterate style; no one can expose
it to condemnation so strongly as you do whenever you write. ...
/.../6 i will follow the.htm

Who are My Brethren?
... believe that they are. It is dangerous to utter a word of doubt, dangerous
to question and criticize divine light. The habit of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 33 who are my.htm

Some Hymns and Hymn-Books
... First, I think it improper to criticize hymns as if they were ordinary verses: to
say of any hymn it is not poetry or it is poor poetry' is to say nothing. ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/some hymns and hymn-books.htm

Snares of Satan
... There is much which the finite mind, unenlightened by divine wisdom, is powerless
to comprehend; and thus they find occasion to criticize. ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 32 snares of satan.htm

What are Consequences of Backsliding in Heart.
... They hedge themselves in, and shut their eyes against the light; stand on the
defensive, and criticize everything that would search them out. ...
/.../finney/the backslider in heart/iv what are consequences of.htm

The Disciple, -- O Master, Fountain of Life! Why Dost Thou Hide ...
... My Word and service and My presence lose their attraction to the sinner, and instead
of profiting by them he begins to argue about and to criticize them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple .htm

The Disciple, -- Master, in These Days Some Learned Men and their ...
... There were some, however, who, instead of believing, thought of it as brass only
and began to criticize and say, "If Moses had provided an antidote, or were to ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii the disciple 2.htm

Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ...
... least emphatic asseveration [341] ."A man had need be very sure he understands the
record, (let me just remark in passing,) before he presumes to criticize it ...
/.../inspiration and interpretation/sermon iii inspiration of scripture gospel.htm

To Sano Di Maco and all Her Other Sons in Siena
... wills naught but our sanctification. In this wise one is not shocked at
his neighbour and does not criticize him. Nor does he pass ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to sano di maco and.htm

Criticize (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Criticize (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 9:3 That
is how I vindicate myself to those who criticize me. (WEY). ...
/c/criticize.htm - 6k

Critical (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Qualified to criticize, or pass judgment
upon, literary or artistic productions. 2. (n.) Pertaining ...
/c/critical.htm - 8k

Vindicate (18 Occurrences)
... upon the earth?' (See RSV). 1 Corinthians 9:3 That is how I vindicate myself
to those who criticize me. (WEY). Deuteronomy 32:36 For ...
/v/vindicate.htm - 11k

Zadok (50 Occurrences)
... They set forth the accounts given of him first in Samuel and Kings and next in
Chronicles; after which they state and criticize the critical theory concerning ...
/z/zadok.htm - 40k

Judge (297 Occurrences)
... 7. (v.) To assume the right to pass judgment on another; to sit in judgment or
commendation; to criticize or pass adverse judgment upon others. ...
/j/judge.htm - 46k

Ezra-nehemiah
... However much we may wish that other historical records had been included, it is
not proper to criticize the work because of these omissions, nor is it fair to ...
/e/ezra-nehemiah.htm - 22k

Ezranehemiah
... However much we may wish that other historical records had been included, it is
not proper to criticize the work because of these omissions, nor is it fair to ...
/e/ezranehemiah.htm - 22k

Chastise (21 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To punish or criticize severely; to inflict pain upon, by means of stripes,
or in any other manner, for the purpose of punishment or reformation; to ...
/c/chastise.htm - 12k

Criticized (2 Occurrences)

/c/criticized.htm - 6k

Apostles'
... Professor Harnack, and those who think with him, criticize the creed from a twofold
point of view: (1) They deny that in all respects it represents true ...
/a/apostles'.htm - 20k

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