37 Bible Verses about criticism

Poverty and shame will come to him who refuses instruction and discipline,
But he who accepts and learns from reproof or censure is honored.

It is better to listen to the rebuke of the wise man and pursue wisdom
Than for one to listen to the song of fools and pursue stupidity.

Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold
Is a wise reprover to an ear that listens and learns.

Whoever loves instruction and discipline loves knowledge,
But he who hates reproof and correction is stupid.

We are taking precaution so that no one will [find anything with which to] discredit us in our administration of this generous gift.

Believers, do not speak against or slander one another. He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law. If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.

Do not slander or malign a servant before his master [stay out of another’s personal life],
Or he will curse you [for your interference], and you will be found guilty.

The way of the [arrogant] fool [who rejects God’s wisdom] is right in his own eyes,
But a wise and prudent man is he who listens to counsel.

The ear that listens to and learns from the life-giving rebuke (reprimand, censure)
Will remain among the wise.

But Jesus did not reply to him, not even to a single accusation, so that the governor was greatly astonished.

The one who eats [everything] is not to look down on the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat must not criticize or pass judgment on the one who eats [everything], for God has accepted him.

sound and beyond reproach in instruction, so that the opponent [of the faith] will be shamed, having nothing bad to say about us.

He who [appropriately] reprimands a [wise] man will afterward find more favor
Than he who flatters with the tongue.

This is my defense to those who would put me on trial and interrogate me [concerning my authority as an apostle]:

so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness],

Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out of love and concern],
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].

“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty?
Let him who disputes with God answer it.”

Now Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman);

Who are you to judge the servant of another? Before his own master he stands [approved] or falls [out of favor]. And he [who serves the Master—the Lord] will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

My son, be wise, and make my heart glad,
That I may reply to him who reproaches (reprimands, criticizes) me.

Moreover, do not curse the king, even in your bedroom, and in your sleeping rooms do not curse the rich, for a bird of the air will carry the sound and a winged creature will make the matter known.

Better is an open reprimand [of loving correction]
Than love that is hidden.

for they loved the approval of men more than the approval of God.

For we have regard for what is honorable [and above suspicion], not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

As for the one whose faith is weak, accept him [into your fellowship], but not for [the purpose of] quarreling over his opinions.

“Those who err in mind will know the truth,
And those who criticize and murmur discontentedly will accept instruction.

But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.

You hypocrite (play-actor, pretender), first get the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

“Blessed [morally courageous and spiritually alive with life-joy in God’s goodness] are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because of [your association with] Me.

But Jesus, aware that His disciples were complaining about it, asked them, “Does this cause you to stumble and take offense?

So His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your disciples [there] may also see the works that You do.

Do not correct a scoffer [who foolishly ridicules and takes no responsibility for his error] or he will hate you;
Correct a wise man [who learns from his error], and he will love you.

“With him I speak mouth to mouth [directly],
Clearly and openly and not in riddles;
And he beholds the form of the Lord.
Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”

“I also could speak like you,
If you were in my place;
I could compose and join words together against you
And shake my head at you.

But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you again, why do you look down on your [believing] brother or regard him with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God [who alone is judge].