“But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king’s commandment was, saying, Answer him not.” (Isa. 36:21)
When the king of Assyria criticized Hezekiah and Israel’s ability to defend themselves, Hezekiah told the people to “answer him not.” He knew God would vindicate Israel in the end, so the criticism didn’t matter. Instead of answering your critic, here are three ways to combat the criticism:
1) Don’t Let Criticism Stop You From Doing Right.
Your critic would love to know they stopped you from doing right by making you stop to give them an answer. When someone criticizes you, the best answer is no answer at all! Just keep on doing right because time will vindicate you in the end.
2) Take Your Criticism to the Lord.
Instead of answering the king of Assyria (Isa. 37:1) says Hezekiah “went into the house of the LORD.” Your critic wants nothing more than to draw you into an argument or fight. Don’t do it. As soon as you fight back, they win. Instead, take it to the Lord.
3) Pray for Your Critic.
Praying for your critic allows God to begin working in their heart. But it does more than that; it allows God to work in YOUR heart, as well. Praying for your critic is important because it will prevent bitterness from growing in your heart toward them.
Let’s face it…everyone will face criticism at some point. But don’t let it stop you from doing right. Take it to the Lord and let Him deal with it for you so you can keep on serving Him with a clean heart.