What Does the Bible Say About Criticism?

Proverbs 27:5

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love.”

Proverbs 15:31

“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise.”

Proverbs 12:1

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”

Matthew 7:1-2

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

James 4:11-12

“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?”

Ephesians 4:29

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Proverbs 10:17

“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”