QuoteProject
There is no end to the creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity of those who look for reasons to criticize. They cannot seem to release their grip on grudges. They gossip and find fault with others. They nurse wounds for decades, taking every opportunity to tear down and demean others. This is not pleasing to the Lord, 'for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work' (James 3:16).
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

Criticism often stems from jealousy and negativity, leading to harmful behaviors.

In this quote, Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasizes the destructive nature of criticism rooted in envy and grudges. He suggests that those who focus on finding faults in others not only spread negativity but also disrupt harmony, which is contrary to virtuous living. The reference to James 3:16 further underscores the biblical principle that strife and envy lead to confusion and evil conduct, urging individuals to reflect on the impact of their critical attitudes on themselves and their communities.

Themes

CreativityIngenuityTenacityCriticismGossipGrudgesNegativity

In practice

Example use cases

Sharing this quote at a leadership seminar to highlight the importance of constructive feedback.

More from Dieter F. Uchtdorf

It is good advice to slow down a little, steady the course, and focus on the essentials when experiencing adverse conditions.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
Absolute truth is not dependent upon public opinion or popularity. Now what is this truth? It is His gospel. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
We have a choice. We can seek for the bad in others. Or we can make peace and work to extend to others the understanding, fairness, and forgiveness we so desperately desire for ourselves. It is our choice; for whatever we seek, that we will certainly find.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
There are few things that have filled me with such breathless awe as flying in the black of night across oceans and continents and looking out my cockpit window upon the infinite glory of millions of stars.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
No, God does not need us to love Him. But oh, how we need to love God! For what we love determines what we seek. What we seek determines what we think and do. What we think and do determines who we are - and who we will become.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead
Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us, but it is our fear, doubt, and sin that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us.
Dieter F. UchtdorfRead

Similar quotes

Be the witness of your thoughts.
Gautama BuddhaRead
What has influenced my life more than any other single thing has been my stammer. Had I not stammered I would probably... have gone to Cambridge as my brothers did, perhaps have become a don and every now and then published a dreary book about French literature.
W. Somerset MaughamRead
We may find it convenient to live with the illusion that circumstances or other people are responsible for the quality of our lives, but the reality is that we are responsible-response-able-for our choices.
Stephen CoveyRead
Of all tools, an observatory is the most sublime. . . . What is so good in a college as an observatory? The sublime attaches to the door and to the first stair you ascent, that this is the road to the stars.
Ralph Waldo EmersonRead
When sadness comes, just sit by the side and look at it and say, "I am the watcher, I am not sadness," and see the difference. Immediately you have cut the very root of sadness. It is no more nourished. It will die of starvation. We feed these emotions by being identified with them.
RajneeshRead
Go Placidly, Amid the noise and Haste & Remember what peace there may be in silence.
Max EhrmannRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.