Writing For Eternity

Proverbs 26:4 for Christian Writers

Proverbs 26:4 for Christian Writers

Grant Ferguson ⋆

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1–2 minutes

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Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.

— Proverbs 26:4 NLT

Takeaway

For negative comments, as God’s child of love, writers should not pay attention to hateful remarks, but pray for those who persecute you.

God can transform a negative, stony heart into flesh, turning people from their hateful ways. Love your enemies, asking the Lord to have His way with those who persecute you.

God’s love enables you to keep climbing the mountain!

But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

— Matthew 5:44 NLT

How do you deal with negative comments?

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12 responses to “Proverbs 26:4 for Christian Writers”

  1. believe4147 Avatar
    believe4147

    I take negative comments with a proverbial “grain of salt,” try to learn from them, and move on remembering I am the Lord’s servant and it is in him I stand.

    Reply
  2. Nancy Ruegg Avatar
    Nancy Ruegg

    I try to approach negative comments with a calm, appreciative response. The worst comment I ever received was from a person who jumped to a conclusion “way out there,” and used an accusatory tone to express himself. I responded as though his idea had merit, but in my view would be nearly impossible to achieve, due to certain insurmountable factors (which I named). He didn’t respond back. Perhaps he was trying to shock me to see how I’d react? Or maybe it was just virtue-signaling.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Thanks, Nancy, for sharing your approach to negative comments.

      Reply
      1. Nancy Ruegg Avatar
        Nancy Ruegg

        You’re welcome, Grant. Perhaps it’ll help someone else formulate an answer to an unkind commenter!

  3. Christina Amery Avatar
    Christina Amery

    I’ve gotten much better at this in the last few years. Hateful comments still hurt, but life is too short to internalize them and dwell on them. I try to turn them over to the Lord.

    As always, great reminder, Grant.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      I understand Christina, and I’m right there too! Amazing how forgetting to let God handle the issue can (and often does) provide a memorable reminder.

      Reply
  4. Dana at Mindful Caravan Avatar
    Dana at Mindful Caravan

    Such a great point, Grant, thank you!

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      You’re welcome, Dana!

      Reply
  5. Wrenn Leone Avatar
    Wrenn Leone

    I love what Priscilla said. There’s a difference between disagreeing with someone and attacking that person. Constructive criticism helps us learn, but comments made from a cold heart do neither the poster nor the receiver any good.

    Another great song vid, Grant!

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Wrenn, you nailed why I repeat daily Ephesians 4:29 NLT. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” This verse has three parts for the sender and one for the receiver.

      Nothing can change the way God loves us, and we pay it forward by sharing that truth with others (even if that’s not what they expect). 😇

      Reply
  6. Priscilla Bettis Avatar
    Priscilla Bettis

    I usually let negative comments stand. But if they are cruel or attack another commenter, I remove the comment. If the person is speaking from a position of misunderstanding, I gently try to explain things.

    Reply
    1. Grant at Writing for Eternity Avatar
      Grant at Writing for Eternity

      Sound advice, Priscilla, and reminded me of what Jesus said in John 15:18-19 NLT: “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”

      Christ emphasized how this plays out in Matthew 5:11-12 NLT: “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”

      I praise God for the work you do, Priscilla, and the many book reviews that promote Christian values.

      Reply

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