* The AMP version says, “Why do you criticize and pass judgment on your brother?”

* The NASB version finishes the verse by saying, “Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt?”

* Both verses are talking about looking with an eye of judgment on your brother/sister and how dangerous it is.

* Dr. John Gottman said the number one relationship killer is contempt.

* Contempt is thinking negatively of someone while placing yourself in a higher position.

* It’s caused by unchecked criticism.

* Notice the verse starts with criticism and moves to contempt.

* In relationships, there are two ways to approach a person who’s offended you:

* 1) Complaint - this deals with behavior. It starts with the word “I” and is aimed at how their action has affected you.

* “I felt hurt when you said that the other day. I wish you wouldn’t say things like that.”

* 2) Criticism - this deals with character. It starts with the word “You” and is aimed at their identity.

* “You hurt my feelings the other day. You always say stuff like that. I wish you’d quit.”

* If you criticize long enough and it goes unchecked, it leads to the relationship killer contempt.

* Contempt brings in the element of comparison where pride now enters the picture.

* “You hurt my feelings the other day. You always say stuff like that. I never talk like that. I wish you’d quit.”

* The minute contempt enters through the comparison caused by unchecked criticism, relationships begin to deteriorate.

* This verse gives us a clear command to drop the comparison, criticism, and contempt so your relationships will blossom.