CHAPTER 44: CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM 2026
When you’re emotionally upset and doubting yourself the last thing anybody needs is constructive criticism. When you’re riding a wave of excitement and you feel on top of the world, the last thing you need is the buzz kill of Constructive Criticism. I wrote this chapter because I’ve seen this thing break the stride of good people in a heartbeat. I’ve never seen anything good or constructive about it.
Luke 19:44 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”
Romans 14:19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may [a]edify another.
We all need direction, that’s different. Wisdom and learning is found in solutions, not throwing darts at people. Constructive Criticism is without solution, fueled by a sinister motive, never good. Pray for such individuals, in the end, they cause much damage to others and themselves. How do I know when somebody is not operating for a good place?
Matthew 12:35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him.
Unfortunately by the time these individuals are found out, the damage has already been done. Children from school are bullied and beat down, broken hearted, employees at work, customers, the infiltration of such an element in a church body, it’s endless if left unchecked. It sounds like this:
“I guess you just can’t take a little constructive criticism.”
Or this one: “you know it’s good, but if I may offer a small bit of constructive criticism…”
When you hear such a thing, you’re in enemy territory. Myths, character assassination, interruptions —- all in the name of goodness.
Titus 3:10 As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,
Walk away from this nasty, undermining, jealous, impudent, petty, belligerent and vicious thing. There is nothing good about it. I’ve offered up a couple quotes:
I’ve seen only tragedy come from such lip service.
Surrounded by the flames of jealousy, the jealous one winds up, like the scorpion, turning the poisoned sting against himself.
Friedrich Nietzsche
The spirit of envy can destroy; it can never build.
Margaret Thatcher
The worst part of success is trying to find someone who is happy for you.
Bette Midler
Ecclesiastes 5:2-3 Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in Heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few. For a dream comes with much business, and a fool’s voice with many words.
If you find yourself doing such a thing, shame on you, for all you’ve been given. If you observe it and it is possible to interrupt it, please do so. That sounds like this:
“I’m sorry, I couldn’t help but over hear, may I respectfully disagree with this constructive critique, I believe you are amazing and what happened here is just the doorway to God’s adventures for you. I, personally, am inspired by your efforts.”
Bring goodness back to the victim before the arrow finds it’s mark. Constructive Criticism is a destroyer and the destroyer will pay the ultimate price in the end, however, in the mean time, a great deal of damage.
Romans 14:12 Yes, each of us will give a person account to God. So let’s stop condemning each other. Live in such a way that you will not cause another to stumble and fall.
Don’t let a bully, in sheep’s clothing, steal your heart. Stay close to the Lord in all your endeavors, my friends, ask for Discernment in all matters and then forge ahead, in prayer and the Word of God.
Deuteronomy 28:2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God.
God is good. All creativity, knowledge and wisdom come from Him. He is with you, right next to you building, creating, loving. Learn to live with the lumps, the bumps, the ups and downs of life. With God, all of it is a win. This is not a lesson about trap or a blessing, a judgement or an assessment or waiting on God. It is a vicious and radical attack, pre-meditated, and expertly delivered to dismantle the heart and direction of a person. Those who administer this poison know exactly what they are doing.
Psalm 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they have committed detestable acts;
There is no one who does good.
Constructive criticism, is jealous, envy and hateful and sinister. Stay in the discernment of the Holy Spirit and the consciousness of the Lord. Now, here’s a hard part, God says to love in spite of such things.
Romans 12:17-21 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
You did notice the scripture doesn’t say, keep them on the payroll, let them talk to your customers and all the other employees. No, scripture does not say that. If, as scripture instructs, you are feeding one of them or offering drink, or they are at work in the business, keep an eye on them until they’ve gone away from you and those you love.
Now, who is the worst of Constructive Criticism. You. You are the worst. You criticize yourself, over and over and over. It never lets up. That is the voice of treason, do not listen, it is not of God and it is never true. When it comes, do not act or re-act, simply take it to the Lord.
Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
2 Corinthians 10:5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
I have said, lately, life is hard with God and without God. The gift of life with God is just that, God is with you, nothing can stand against you. It’s a hard concept to engage, especially when you’re heart is hurting, your self-esteem is at risk, your feelings are at best, ..lonely. You’ve heard the term “find God?” You don’t have to find God, He is with you right now. One last thing, when something good has happened and the buzz kill of constructive criticism stands before you. Be strong and glad for the good thing God has done with you and proclaim this great thing in the face of whatever comes against you. Oh, yes, don’t let this ugly thing tell you to be humble and quiet in what God has done. When a good thing happens tell the world what God has done.
1 Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the One who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (proclaiming God’s transformation).
Chapter 44 Constructive Criticism, beware and marvel in the fact that without God, we are nothing, with Him, each and every one of you is amazing in His grace and mercy. Amen.
Amen.
