“No leader is exempt from criticism, and his humility will nowhere be seen more clearly than in the manner in which he accepts and reacts to it.” -J. Oswald Sanders

Nehemiah 2:19-20

19 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked.

20 I replied, “The God of heaven will help us succeed. We, his servants, will start rebuilding this wall. But you have no share, legal right, or historic claim in Jerusalem.”

WHEN FACING CRITICISM, GODLY LEADERS PRAY AND PERSIST.

GODLY LEADERS MUST DEVELOP THE ABILITY TO MEASURE THE VALUE OR WORTH OF CRITICISM

Nehemiah 4:1-3a

1 Sanballat was very angry when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a rage and mocked the Jews, 2 saying in front of his friends and the Samarian army officers, “What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap—and charred ones at that?”

3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him,

NOT ALL CRITICISM IS BAD.

Proverbs 15:22

Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.

Proverbs 11:14

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

I. CONSIDER THE SOURCE

II. CONSIDER THE MOTIVE

III. LISTEN WITH DISCERNMENT

IV. LEARN FROM CRITICISM

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

Proverbs 15:31 (CSB)

One who listens to life-giving rebukes will be at home among the wise.

Nehemiah 4:3

3 Tobiah the Ammonite, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!”

“We must never forget that those who are, by nature, negative and critical will always, ALWAYS be around to create opposition. Nevertheless, the work must go on. Progress should not stop because a loud minority wants to disparage us or hinder the plan.”

- Charles Swindoll, Hand Me Another Brick

Nehemiah 4:4

4 Then I prayed, “Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land! 5 Do not ignore their guilt. Do not blot out their sins, for they have provoked you to anger here in front of the builders.”

I. NEHEMIAH TALKED TO GOD ABOUT THE CRITICISM

“You are never more successful than when you make your plans, advance your cause, and overcome your obstacles on your knees in prayer. The leader who advances on his knees need never retreat. When responding to critics, begin with prayer, then give a response only as the situation compels it.” 

- Charles Swindoll, Hand Me Another Brick

II. NEHEMIAH STAYED ON TASK

Nehemiah 4:6

6 At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.

1 Peter 5:8

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

SOMETIMES, CRITICISM DOESN'T DIE DOWN--IT INTENSIFIES

Nehemiah 4:7-8

7 But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. 8 They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. 

Nehemiah 4:9

9 But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves.