Read James 4
A transition... one that seems awkward... may offer insight... into the heart of man...
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Don't criticize one another, brothers.
James 4:10-11
HCSB
Humble yourself before the Lord... jumping directly to criticizing a brother...? How does one butt up against the other...?
Consider... the source of criticism... doesn't it often come from a heart of insecurity...? jealousy...? pride...?
Doesn't criticizing... make the critic... feel superior... higher... exalted...?
We are not to lift up ourselves... at the expense of others...
The Greek translated as do not criticize... can also be rendered...
do not speak evil...
do not slander...
don't bad mouth...
The original intent clearly goes beyond a constructive critique... these are hurtful... accusing words... condemnation...
Believers... brothers and sisters in Christ... are not to criticize one another... finding fault... in order to feel favored... we are to remember our own failures... be readily self-critical... humble yourself before the Lord... and He will lift you up...
Be completely humble and gentle;
be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit
through the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:2-3
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