Read: Nehemiah 4:1-6

There is one who speaks like
the piercings of a sword,
butthe tongue of the wise
promotes health.
-Proverbs 12:18

Critics talk much and do little that is constructive. They are moreinterested in trying to make themselves look good by making others lookbad.

If Nehemiah had listened to his critics, the wall around the city ofJerusalem would never have been rebuilt. Some of what those criticssaid to him was accurate. The wall was rubble and fire had burned thestones and caused them to crack and crumble (4:2-3). But the criticstalked much and did absolutely nothing to help.

Years ago, Theodore Roosevelt noted, "It is not the critic whocounts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled or wherethe doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs tothe man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred with dust andsweat and blood…and who,…if he fails, at least fails while daringgreatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timidsouls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Where do you see yourself in this picture? Are you being pelted byunfair criticism as you are serving Christ? If so, keep on going andGod will reward your efforts. Or do you recognize yourself as one whotends to be critical of others? If so, it’s time to quit the demolitionteam and join the construction crew. -Haddon W. Robinson

I would not criticize the one who works,
The one who listens toGod’s Word and heeds;
But I would criticize myself, dear Lord,
Confess to you my faithless words and deeds. -Hess

ANY SPECTATOR CAN CRITICIZE THE PLAYERS;
IT TAKES SKILL ANDDEDICATION TO PLAY THE GAME.

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1998 by Radio Bible Class, GrandRapids,Michigan. Used by permission.