Sept. 12, 2025

How to Handle Criticism

Criticism doesn’t have to crush you. It can grow you. In this episode, learn how humility and open ears turn correction into wisdom and strength.

How do you usually handle criticism?

Most of us get defensive, shut down, or try to prove ourselves. But Proverbs says listening to constructive criticism is a mark of wisdom, and God often uses correction to shape our character.

In today’s devotion, you’ll hear how Abraham Lincoln invited his loudest critics into his cabinet and why his humility helped hold the Union together. His example, combined with Proverbs 15:31, reminds us that staying open-hearted to correction can be one of God’s greatest tools for growth.

Main Scripture:

Proverbs 15:31 – “If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.”

By the end of this episode, you’ll discover:

Why God often uses correction to grow us
How humility can turn criticism into wisdom
A simple practice to help you respond with grace

Today’s Challenge:

When you receive correction this week, pause before responding. Ask, “What can I learn from this?” Write down one piece of wisdom and put it into practice.

Encouraged by today’s devotion?

Share this episode with someone who struggles with criticism. And if this podcast has blessed you, please follow and leave a review, it helps more people find encouragement.

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WEBVTT

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Abraham Lincoln did something most leaders would

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he invited his loudest critics into the room.

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After the 1860 election, he brought rivals like William Seward, Salmon Chase, and Edward Bates, men who had campaigned against him and didn't mind telling him when he was wrong, and he brought them straight into his These are some pretty high stakes. Bringing your rivals with strong opinions into your cabinet. Why put them at the table where every decision could be slowed down or maybe even shot down?

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Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I'm Bart Leger, and today we're talking about something most of us would

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criticism. None of us like to be corrected, but Proverbs reminds us that listening to constructive criticism is one of the marks of true wisdom. Our today comes

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31, and it says: "If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise." So, why did Lincoln ask these former rivals into his cabinet? That's why Lincoln said Lincoln, because Lincoln wasn't chasing agreement, he was chasing wisdom.

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He asked hard questions, and he let them push back. Then he sifted their criticism for truth.

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He wasn't as much concerned about his ego as he was about doing what's right. Then he shared credit, and he took responsibility, and kept the bigger than his pride.

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Now, most of don't have to lead a nation through a civil war, but we do face correction in our jobs, in our homes, in our churches, and even among our friends. And the question is: will we let pride block us, or will we stay humble and listen?

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I'm not talking about critics, necessarily. You know, as the saying goes, "Everybody's a critic." That's not the kind of criticism I'm talking about.

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Although, there is often a seed of truth, even in the harshest criticism. Even if it's meant to tear us down. I had a mentor years ago, and here's what he would say: he says: "When you look at your reviews, remember this: you're never as bad as your worst review." And, you may not like to hear this, but he

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"You're probably never as good as your best review." I'm talking about constructive criticism here. Constructive criticism about tearing you down.

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It's about building you up. Now, it may sting. But it can also point out blind spots. It can sharpen our skills as well. See, God often uses the voices around

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mentors, friends, and, yes, even the critics to shape us into who he's calling us to be.

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Now, here's the challenge: when criticism comes, I want you to pause. Instead of reacting defensively, and that's what most of us tend to do, I want

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is there truth here that I need to hear? Pray for discernment to separate helpful correction from the unhelpful noise. And even when the delivery is less than kind, humility can turn it into a growth moment. Think of it this

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criticism, handled humbly, can become one of God's tools to mature us.

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This week, when someone corrects you, resist the urge to defend yourself right away. Instead, pause and ask: "What can I learn from this?" And then write down one piece of wisdom from the feedback, and put it into practice. Lord, give me a humble heart that welcomes wisdom, even when it comes wrapped in criticism. Help me sift out truth from pride and let correction shape me into the person You want me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen. Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives.

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Remember, criticism can sting, but when you receive it with humility, it can make you wise.

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Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God's truth. Until then, God bless, and have a great day.

How to Handle Criticism

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