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I used to love watching fashion critics years ago. They would break down why a person's outfit shone by revealing the influence behind certain style decisions and highlighting tips on how to style different body types. They'd discuss the significance of certain colors and how to tell stories through clothing. It was all harmless and educational fun until it became customary for fashion critics to say mean things. All of a sudden, it wasn't just about the clothing but about how things were said to catch attention, increase viewer interaction, and go viral. That often led to criticism veiled as 'shade' and insults.
And that is the issue with hypercriticism. It goes beyond what is necessary in the expression of an opinion. When being hypercritical, a person goes beyond pointing out what's wrong to take a dig and say hurtful or insulting things. This often happens during our in-person or virtual 'water cooler' moments. Those places where we gather to talk about news, popular culture, or the lives of the people around us.
Being hypercritical is so commonplace that we often don't realize we're doing it, and we don't understand how wrong it is. However, Jesus warned us not to judge, or we would be judged (Matthew 7:1). Peter also shared that God taught him to be careful how he saw and spoke of others (Acts 10:28). When we are hypercritical, we often take the position of judge ignoring the possibility that we don't know enough about the person or situation to conclude. Besides, God alone is judge over all (James 4:12).
When we are hypercritical of a person, we often forget that no one is perfect and that God is at work in all people in one way or another. Think of Shimei and David. Notice how cautiously David treated a man who was insulting him? He refused to let anyone harm him because he had the fear of the Lord. Meanwhile, Shimei, who had been hypercritical of David, eventually had to apologize but still ended up losing his life. And it all started because he lacked godly wisdom and could not control his mouth and emotions.
Proverbs 10:19 teaches that too much talking leads to sin and that the wise keep their mouths shut. When we apply this instruction, we won't veer into hypercriticism. Jesus said that God told Him what to say and how to say it (John 12:49). We believers need this same anointing because it is the only way we can express ourselves without being overly critical. We can't afford to forget that being hypercritical comes close to questioning why God made someone or something as He chose to. It also ignores that God might be doing something with the very person or thing that we are criticizing.
This message is not telling anyone not to express themselves. It is, however, a call to be careful how we choose to do so. The more we study the Bible and allow God to transform us, the more we will display grace and humbly realize that we know very little. We need to let God teach us how to speak without the insults and the pettiness that can take us into hypercritical territory. Our words influence our existence and can also affect other people (Proverbs 4:23). May our lips be used by God, and may we never be satan's mouthpiece, IJMN Amen.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
