How should I respond to criticism? How do I evaluate whether it is constructive or destructive?

Proverbs 12:16-18A wise person stays calm when insulted. An honest witness tells the truth; a false witness tells lies. Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing.

Ecclesiastes 7:5Better to be criticized by a wise person than to be praised by a fool.

Stay calm and don’t lash back. Sometimes people criticize others in order to feel better about themselves. Measure criticism according to the character of the person who is giving it. Evaluate whether the criticism is coming from a person with a reputation for truth or lies. Ask yourself if the criticism is meant to heal or hurt.

1 Corinthians 4:4My conscience is clear, but that doesn’t prove I’m right. It is the Lord himself who will examine me and decide.

Always work to maintain a clear conscience by being honest and trustworthy. This allows you to shrug off criticism you know is unjustified.

1 Peter 4:14If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.

Consider it a privilege to be criticized for your faith in God. God has special blessings for those who patiently endure this kind of criticism.

Proverbs 15:31-32If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise. . . . if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Don’t reject truthful information that will help you grow. This requires a great deal of humility because accepting criticism is a hard thing to do. Sometimes it’s painful to hear the truth, but it’s worse to continue harmful behavior.