Criticism, amongst believers

Harsh criticism is out of place among believers, who are urged to see each other in the best possible light. Criticism of God arises from a failure to understand his actions and purposes.

Criticism forbidden among believers

James 5:9 See also Matthew 7:1–5 parallel Luke 6:37–42; Romans 14:1–4, Romans 14:10–13; 1 Corinthians 10:10; Galatians 5:15; Philippians 2:14–16; James 4:11–12

Do not complain about one another, brothers, so that you will not be judged. Look, the Judge is standing at the door!

Reacting to criticism

Some criticism can be disregarded

Ecclesiastes 7:21–22 See also 1 Corinthians 4:2–5; Colossians 2:16–18

Do not pay attention to every word that is spoken, or you may hear your servant cursing you. For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others.

Criticism can be dealt with by settling the dispute

Matthew 18:15 See also Proverbs 15:1

If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

Integrity is a defence against criticism

Daniel 6:4 See also 2 Corinthians 8:20–21; Titus 2:7–8

Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him.

Criticism can be constructive

Psalm 141:5 See also Proverbs 10:17, Proverbs 15:5, Proverbs 27:6, Proverbs 27:9, Proverbs 28:23

Let the righteous man strike me; let his rebuke be an act of loving devotion. It is oil for my head; let me not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked.

Criticism and complaint directed against God

Criticism of God for his apparent injustice

Deuteronomy 1:26–27 See also Jeremiah 20:7–9; Jonah 4:1–4; Habakkuk 1:1–4, Habakkuk 1:12–17; Malachi 3:13–15; Romans 9:19–21; Isaiah 29:16, Isaiah 45:9

But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. You grumbled in your tents and said, “Because the LORD hates us, He has brought us out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites to be annihilated.

Criticism of God for his apparent disregard of his people's plight

Isaiah 40:27 See also Psalm 10:1, Psalm 13:1–2, Psalm 22:1–2, Psalm 42:9–10, Psalm 44:23–24, Psalm 74:10–11, Psalm 80:4–6, Psalm 108:11–12

Why do you say, O Jacob, and why do you assert, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the LORD, and my claim is ignored by my God”?