June 5

On Criticism

He who affirms that Christianity makes men miserable, is himself an utter stranger to it. ME542

What we wish to see we shall see or think we see. Faults are always thick where love is thin. PT68

A very plain-spoken enemy may do us ten times more service than an indulgent friend. TN248

“Remember, you may get into hell by criticism, but you will never criticise your soul out of it.” (165.5)

“Dear friend, do not become a fault-finder, it is as bad a trade as a pick-pocket’s. Till you can do better, hold your tongue! Did you ever know a man or woman whom God blessed that was perfect? If God were to work by perfect instruments, the instruments would earn a part of the glory.” (1113.299)

“I think any minister will tell you it is the people who do nothing themselves in a church that find fault with those who do the work.” (1400.115)

“Brethren, our Lord was no critic. No, among the brotherhood of fault-finders you never see the Christ of God. When he has to deal with sincere people, he picks no holes, imputes no motives, and dwells on no mistakes.” (1422.378)

“Brother, if any man thinks ill of you, do not be angry with him; for you are worse than he thinks you to be. If he charges you falsely on some point, yet be satisfied, for if he knew you better he might change the accusation, and you would be no gainer by the correction. If you have your moral portrait painted, and it is ugly, be satisfied; for it only needs a few blacker touches, and it would be still nearer the truth.” (2031.367)

“Somebody has said a very nasty thing about us. Well, well; we will answer him when we have got through the work we have at hand, namely, praising God continually. At present we have a great work to do, and cannot come down to wrangle. Self-love and its natural irritations die in the blaze of praise.” (2048.573)

“There never was an enterprise started yet but somebody objected to it; and I do not believe that the best work that Christ himself ever did was beyond criticism; there were some people who were sure to find some fault with it.” (2264.327)

“One gets by degrees into such a condition that it does not matter what people say. And, after all, does it ever really matter what they say?” (2669.163)

“Now, recollect, those are always coldest that do not plough, for those that plough get warm. I have always noticed that the people in a church, who quarrel, are the idle ones. Those that do nothing always grumble.” (2766.81)

“It is sometimes said that, when a boy is flogged wrongfully, “If he does not deserve it now, he probably has deserved it at some other time when he has not had it, or he will deserve it in the future.” So, if a rebuke should come to me wrongfully, I will lay it by in case I need it at another time.” (3037.213)

“It is very easy to pick holes in other people’s work, but it is far more profitable to do better work yourself. Is there a fool in all the world that cannot criticise?” (3193.182)

“Those Christian people who do nothing are usually troublesome, for they are at leisure to find fault with those who are doing their best.” (3313.363)