The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts. Proverbs 18:8
The inmost part Solomon is referring to in this Proverb is the heart. This verse speaks not only against gossip but against listening to gossip. It poisons your heart. Instead of allowing gossip or criticism a place at our table, we must respond positively and with love. We also need to pray for the person who is exhibiting the critical spirit and treat them with love as Peter exhorts us:
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1Peter 4: 7-8
And if we find ourselves in the cycle of criticism, we need to repent. We need to acknowledge it and turn from it. The key verses from above remind us that we are to not look down on our brothers and sisters, think less of them, judge them, or place obstacles in their way. Criticism is a stumbling block. We must seek to edify the body not tear it apart from the inside out. The secret antidote to criticism is humility. We must remember how far down Christ had to go to get us. We must remember that we only have righteousness through Christ. It is hard to think critically of someone when we remember how wretched we truly are.
Lastly, let us not confuse being watchful and responsible for our brethren with criticism. I am not suggesting that we are to ignore sin. Jesus taught:
So watch yourselves. "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." Luke 17: 3-4
We are to correct our brothers and sisters but look at the critical differences between a correction and a criticism. A correction deals with a sin issue. Something that is contrary to the Word of God. Criticism usually deals with a more petty matter a matter of personal disagreement. Something that is usually not Biblically supported. Correction allows forgiveness criticism is unforgiving in nature. Correction is done one on one with the person who has erred. Criticism is usually done in the shadows behind their back. It takes the form of gossip or is usually done in a crowd. Correction is done with love criticism is done with bitterness or malice. The goals of correction is to bring the person back in line with Scripture and make the person feel better about themselves the purpose of criticism is make the criticizer feel better about themselves. Correction is a God thing criticism is of the flesh.
We will all stand in judgment one day before a holy God. Don't be quick to deal in judgment now. It feeds the flesh, empowers the enemy and destroys the body. It is a stumbling block to people and a cancer in the church. Remember the words of Peter:
