At one time or another, we have all had a dislike for someone. We have said things similar to: “I don’t like such-and-such about so-and-so”? We may even begin to view the person as all bad and fail to see any good in him or her. Even if our critical view is accurate, the notion that he or she is all bad is false.
Those who do right hate searching for wrong (in others), while the wicked spreads the stench of scandle.
—King Solomon, Wisdom Teacher
Sometimes people study character like a proofreader pores over a great poem. The reader might miss the beauty of the poem because he is too busy watching for an inverted comma or a misspelled word. His eye is trained for the imperfections. William George Jordan said it well:
"Men who pride themselves on being shrewd in discovering the weak points, the vanity, the dishonesty, immorality, intrigue, and pettiness of others think they understand character. They know only a part of character. They know only the depths to which some men may sink; they know not the heights to which some men may rise" (The Kingship of Self-Control, pg. 27).
The fact of the matter is, there’s good in everyone; it just depends what we’re looking for. If we’re looking for the negative in a person, we’re sure to find it because we all have shortcomings. If we’re looking for the positive in someone, we’re likely to find it because we all have strengths.
A critical eye toward someone may cause us to respond to him severely. In turn, he will likely respond to us negatively. Before long, animosity between the two parties becomes the norm.
I am so grateful for having the opportunity to read John’s book. His beautiful writing hooked me from the start and touched my heart. His book celebrates prayer and offers countless insightful reflections on the topic. It merges psychological insight with a wealth of philosophical, historical, and spiritual reflections, giving readers a deep appreciation for this beautiful topic.
Bozena Zawisz
Author, Liberating Inner Eve
Let’s look at people not with an eye toward severity, but with an eye toward charity. Perhaps there is a reason someone is in someway something we don’t like. We know nothing of another’s hardships, nothing of the tragedy that may hide behind a forced smile, nothing of the secret worries and cares—all of which leave their mark on a person’s demeanor and behavior.
Those who do what is right hate searching for wrong. Let’s make an intentional effort to look for the positive in others, especially in those we tend to view critically. Our new perspective on this person may actually bring a sweet aroma to the environment or relationship (and isn’t that better than stench).
Questions for thought:
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.
- Do you tend to be critical of others? Why do you think that is?
- Can you think of a time when someone was overly critical without giving you much of a chance? How did this make you feel?
- What steps can you take to look for the good in others? How would it help to realize that there might be a reason behind someone’s unfavorable behavior or attitude?
This post is from the book, “The Path of Wisdom,” entry 19. With this inspirational and motivational self-help book, you will get more out of life… not in just one aspect of your life but in all areas. “The Path of Wisdom” consists of 100 entries of roughly 400 to 450 words per entry, great for easy reading, personal reflection, or group study. If you found this post helpful, feel free to share using the “share” buttons below.
CHECK OUT MORE CHAPTERS
* I will never share your email address with anyone, for any reason, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Life Changing Practices in Important Areas
You can generate and possess a constructive approach and positive well-being that supports amidst trials, strengthens in responsibility, and enlivens during refreshment. The Path of Wisdom offers true wealth and real peace in a number of significant areas:
character ♦ charity ♦ finances ♦ influence ♦ peace ♦ pleasure ♦ satisfaction ♦ spirituality ♦ self-acceptance ♦ and more
April 24, 2019
Wow. this opened my eyes.
May 8, 2019
If the best of the best writers can make sense of it all, the better for us readers. Follow John Hunt.
May 8, 2019
Eye opening is mild…lol. enjoyed sample chapters…
May 9, 2019
Thank you for this blog post!
May 11, 2019
I enjoyed reading it.
“The fact of the matter is, there’s good in everyone; it just depends what we’re looking for. If we’re looking for the negative in a person, we’re sure to find it because we all have shortcomings. If we’re looking for the positive in someone, we’re likely to find it because we all have strengths.”
This speaks to me alot, and it’s what i used to ponder over myself