Criticism hurts.

No matter who you are, how many people are encouraging you, and how happy you felt before you got “that call” or “that email,” one drop of critical yuck spreads fast and furious.

No criticism is fun, but it can be helpful if it is from a wise person speaking words that are truly intended to help us. Proverbs 15:2a says, “The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge …” This kind of criticism is given with the intent of sharing helpful wisdom that is constructive rather destructive.

If the criticism is destructive and hurtful, I must remember the second part of Proverbs 15:2b, “… but the mouth of the fool gushes folly.” The definition of folly is a “lack of understanding or sense.” We need to remember this kind of harsh and unnecessary criticism says a lot more about their insecurities than our inadequacies.

It has always be said that “the truth hurts”. No matter what kind of criticism we get—helpful or hurtful—it still stings. We might not feel like being calm at first. You have the choice to be calm despite your feelings. I’m learning that staying calm is as much of a gift to myself as it is to the one criticizing me.