| November 7, 1999 |
Vol. II, No. 28
|
"Constructive criticism" is a term often heard. It usually pops up while evaluating some negative statement. The critic claims his criticism is "constructive;" the recipient strongly denies it.
"Criticism," with or without "constructive" as a modifier, does not occur in the Bible. Yet the idea may be in "rebuke" which occurs several times in both Old and New Testament. Consider also "correction;" then add "chasten." All contain an idea of criticism. Thus, though the phrase "constructive criticism" does not appear in the Bible, it is surely a Bible concept.
"Constructive criticism" seems to focus on the critic. To be a "constructive" critic is a great gift -much as Barnabas excelled in exhorting. Such a critic offers something that is helpful -the content of his criticism makes it constructive. He also keeps his attitude right -- aiming at helping, not hurting. He acts from love for the one he criticizes. On a practical note -and difficult- he must be perceived as helping. Such qualifiers are not easy and thus, it is uncommon to find truly "constructive" critics. There are far more plainly mean and malicious critics -who seem to enjoying picking at people. "Constructive criticism" is often missing because critics fail the integrity test. Can you pass the constructive critic test?
Criticism also is often not constructive because of the disposition of those criticized. Many people accept no criticism regardless of its quality -regardless who gives it -regardless of the spirit in which it is offered - regardless how badly it is needed. They simply reject criticism across the board -period! We cannot afford such an attitude. Undeniably, criticism is hard to receive -always. No one enjoys the criticism, but accepting fair criticism marks mature and spiritual people. Many Bible passages about correction, rebuke, and chastening (that is criticism) focus on problems at the receiving end -receiving correction. "Am I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth" (Gal.4:16). "Yes!" is too often the resounding answer - no matter how, who, or why.
Proverbs, the book of practical wisdom, emphasizes the great difference between accepting and refusing criticism - as the difference between wisdom and folly - success and disaster. Notice just a few passages: And say: "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction!" (Prov.5:12). "Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid" (Prov.12:1). "A wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke" (Prov.13:1). "He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray" (Prov.10:17). "Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, but he who regards a rebuke will be honored" (Prov.13:18). "Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you" (Prov.9:8).
A good hearer profits from most all criticism -not just the "constructive." Oh, some criticism may be entirely baseless -useless -without merit -even untrue. Mostly it is not the case even with mean critics. A malicious enemy prefers to find and parade your real fault rather than invent one. A criticism clearly may aim to harm - come from an obviously malicious enemy -delivered in a loud voice -accompanied by a smirk. It may drip meanness. BUT that mean critic may tell you an unnoticed truth about yourself or your conduct - truth you need to know -truth your friends are too nice to mention. Your enemy will find no compunction about telling you your breath stinks! An honest and humble hearer makes most any and all criticisms "constructive." He uses criticism to grow -no matter why it is given nor who gave it. Admittedly, this is really tough!
Can you do that? Can you accept and use criticism for your own good regardless how or why it is expressed? Of course, you can! -but will you? It is much easier to reject criticism saying "that's not constructive criticism" -to get angry -to reply sharply -to find even worse flaws in the critic. Yet just remember: the right way is seldom ever the easy way.
--Joe Fitch, via Bible Comment
In Matt. 12:38-40, the Bible says, “Then some of the scribes and Pharisees answered, saying, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be give to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.’”
In context, going back to the first of this chapter we see that Jesus had worked numerous miracles of which the scribes and Pharisees were well aware. In verses 10-14, He had miraculously healed a man with a withered hand, and the religious leaders found fault with Him because He had done this wondrous work on the Sabbath. Verse 15 says, “great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all.” In verse 22 and following, He cast the demons out of a man who had been both blind and mute, and healed him. This latter miracle had prompted the scribes and Pharisees to accuse Him of being in league with the devil. So as is clearly evident, these scribes and Pharisees were well aware of His miraculous power and His marvelous deeds. It was thus extremely hypocritical of them to demand, “Teacher, we want to see a sign.”
And it was in light of their having already witnessed His miracles and already admitted His power, and having already tightly closed their minds to Him and His teaching, that He refused to work further miracles in their presence. To do so would have been to “cast pearls before swine” and “give what is holy to the dogs.” See Matt. 7:6.
Then Jesus informs them that they will, indeed, know of still one more miracle He will accomplish in the not-too-distant future -- His resurrection from the dead. Just as Jonah had been swallowed up by the great sea monster (see Jonah 1:17 through 2:10), so Jesus would be crucified and placed in a sealed tomb. But just as Jonah was delivered from that ordeal and deposited once more on dry land three days later in good health, even so Jesus would come forth from the grave to teach and preach again. This miracle, above all others, would really put the scribes and Pharisees to the test. The idolatrous pagan citizens of Nineveh had repented at the preaching of the “resurrected” prophet Jonah. Would the scribes and Pharisees repent when they learned of the resurrection of Jesus? Perhaps a few of them did, but for the most part, their minds were already hardened against Him and His message, so that even the greatest miracle of them all had no noticeable effect on them except to further stir up their anger and hatred against Him and His cause.
--CRJ