This Shabbos I heard a very profound concept from Rabbi Berel Rodal

Though I am paraphrasing, this is what it is – “unless we have a solution, we must never criticize.”

What’s so profound about that?

Doesn’t it seem obvious?

But this simple idea, can always help us realize, when we are evil or good.

For the very structure of evil is to criticize.

And the mind can never tell, if the motive is to help the other person or to harm.

But if we ask ourselves this simple question – am I offering a solution? we can instantaneously tell!

For criticizing, that comes from the motive of belittling, doesn’t have, nor doesn’t seek or even want to have, a solution; for its motive is simply belittling and a solution is not the purpose.

But criticism that is presented with a solution, invariably is not really about criticizing, it’s about uplifting, elevating, helping!