The Spiritual Peril of Fault-Finding and Character Dissection

Fault-finding and the dissection of character are spiritual evils that separate the soul from God and destroy the harmony of the church2MCP 779.1+1. This practice is as terrible in its results as cannibalism, for it ruins reputations and causes deep agony through the misrepresentation of motivesAH 440.5+1. Instead of searching the hearts of others, every individual is called to a solemn work of heart-searching and personal reformation during this time of investigative judgmentSW February 5, 1907, par. 6+1. When we engage in the habit of petty criticism, we confuse the minds of those around us and shroud the simplest truths in mysteryChL 70.4+1.

The spirit of censure and accusation is not of Christ but is instigated by Satan to create discord and bitterness among brethren4BC 1142.2+1. Those who find it easy to judge others often neglect the discovery of defects in their own characters, which prevents them from perfecting holiness in the fear of God2T 597.3+1. This judicial, hard spirit drives out the love of Jesus and replaces heart service with a cold, mechanical form5T 611.1+1. Specifically, in the home and school, sharp words and continual censure bewilder children rather than reforming them, as they require patient and kind guidance to climb the ladder of progress1MCP 356.1+1.

True spiritual advancement is impossible while a disposition to find fault with others is maintained3LtMs, Lt 42a, 1878, par. 3. We must look into the mirror of God’s holy law to discover our own errors rather than placing ourselves on the judgment seat to condemn our neighbors4LtMs, Ms 5, 1886, par. 7+1. Christ does not authorize anyone to be the judge of another man's motives, and those who feel at liberty to dissect the character of a fellow worker are as verily breaking God's law as those who disregard the SabbathRH May 12, 1903, par. 7. If we would focus on the loveliness of Christ’s character, our own imperfections would become so clear that we would look favorably upon others and seek to uplift rather than discourage themRH February 10, 1885, par. 15+1.

...arms with them, others have brought their houses, and are laying their plans for building. Some are dissecting the characters of others and have no time or disposition to search their own hearts, to discover the defects in their own characters, that they may correct their wrongs and perfect h...— 2T 597.3 (1885)

Gossip and Talebearing—We think with horror of the cannibal who feasts on the still warm and trembling flesh of his victim; but are the results of even this practice more terrible than are the agony and ruin caused by misrepresenting motive, blackening reputation, dissecting character? Let the children, and the youth as well, learn what God says about these things: “Death and ...— AH 440.5 (1952)

These things will bear thoughtful consideration, close, critical examination. We are in the investigative judgment, and the work for the time is solemn heart-searching. The duty devolves upon every one to consider,...— SW February 5, 1907, par. 6 (1905)

... doing. Never, never repeat a scandal. Go to the one assailed, and ask him in regard to the matter. God has not appointed any man to be the judge of another man's motives and work. He who feels at liberty to dissect the character of another...— RH May 12, 1903, par. 7 (1851)

... own accusing spirit, and lead them to charge God's servants with evil and guile. They are his trained detectives; their work is to create feuds, to make charges which create discord and bitterness among brethren, to set tongues in active service for Satan, to sow seeds of dissension by watching for evil, and by speaking of that which will create discord— 4BC 1142.2 (1955)

... He knows that all this gossip and talebearing and revealing of secrets and dissecting of character separates the soul from God. It is death to spirituality and a calm religious influence— 2MCP 779.1 (1977)

... and falsehood? Is this the element that you love, and will you choose this atmosphere which is the poison of hell? What think you of Jesus? You may talk of his love, you may praise and bless his name, you may adore him all you please; but cease your praise and your flatteries of finite men, and also cease your wicked fault-finding, cease to murder character— PH155 20.1 (1882)

.... “Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3.] Remove from the heart that criticizing spirit. God hates it. Those who yield to this spirit have given themselves up to do Satan’s work, and he stands by ...— 13LtMs, Ms 165, 1898, par. 25