In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

-Proverbs 10:19, NKJV

Some people feel entitled to tell you what to do or not to do. They then criticize your every decision and tear you down. You don’t need such “friends” in your life.

Our words are supposed to build each other up.

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

-Ephesians 4:29, KJV

I suspect cutting criticism has more to do with the speaker than the hearer. The speaker is trying to bully the hearer and control them. This is ungodly. They are not engaging in edifying speech.

It is perfectly–and highly encouraged–fine to ignore such people walking away. They are not entitled to run your life!

You get decided what YOU want to do. This is how adult accountability works: We are accountable for our own actions, not another’s (see 2 Corinthians 5:10).

So, remember this:

Not all criticism is worth considering. Sometimes the criticism is someone offloading their own issues onto you. You don’t need to help them by taking that on. They do not get to run your life!