Accepting vs. Rejecting Reproof

Scripture:  Proverbs 9:7-9 (CSB) – The one who corrects a mocker will bring abuse on himself; the one who rebukes the wicked will get hurt.  8 Don’t rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke the wise, and he will love you.  9 Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more.  

Proverbs is a book about wisdom.  Unfortunately, it is a book that is neglected or overlooked by many.  It contrasts the person who applies biblical truths with the person who simply refuses to live by God’s standards.  When we apply God’s principles to our daily lives, we will become wise, and we will live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.  The choice is up to us individually.

Reproof means to rebuke, to disapprove of, to refute (prove a person to be in error).  Everyone at some time or another needs to be told that he/she is wrong about something.  Even wise people need reproof. Those who don’t think they need reproof, probably need it the most.  Wicked people or those with an ego problem, reject reproof – and then they hate the person reproofing them. On the other hand, wise and humble people welcome and appreciate reproof and those who reproof them.  

God uses reproof to make us wiser, increasing in knowledge and it is profitable for us.

•II Timothy 3:16 –   All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

•Proverbs 15:12 – A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.

•Proverbs 15:31-33 –  The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. 32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.

Reproof not only comes from people around us, but more importantly, it comes  hearing and reading the Word of God.  What is your response to reproof?  Do you accept it or do you reject it?  

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father:  My desire is to respond positively to reproof.  Help me to be quick to deal with what needs to be changed, confessed, repented of (I John 1:9) in m life.  All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)