Responses to Rebuke
See All...
INTRODUCTION
The Lord never intended for a believer to consider it his duty in life to rebuke others. As the believer begins to learn more Bible, he begins to see the world in a different light. Sin becomes more noticeable and he becomes increasingly offended at the corruption of this world. From this increased knowledge, he may begin to tell others of their errors. Though there is nothing wrong with this, in and of itself, the Bible warns about various responses to rebuke. According to Proverbs 13:1A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
See All..., "a scorner heareth not rebuke." In fact, a scorner rebuked will return shame and hatred (Proverbs 9:7-8 [7] He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
[8] Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
See All...). On the other hand, a believer will find great reward in rebuking the wise (Proverbs 9:8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
See All...).
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
- (For smaller children) To someone who truly loves the Lord, rebuke is an act of kindness and like a medicine to cleanse his heart (Psalm 141:5Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
See All...).When someone doesn't love God, he will despise rebuke (Proverbs 23:9Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
See All...: Matthew 7:6Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
See All...). - If the purpose of our rebukes is restoration, how will this affect the type of people we rebuke? Are there times when people are not yet ready for rebuke and we may need to show patience?
- How can you be reproached when rebuking a scorner or a wicked man (Proverbs 9:7He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
See All...)? What kind of blessings can you receive when you rebuke a wise man (Proverbs 9:8Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
See All...)?
PRAYER NEEDS
- Ask the Lord to give you discernment in rebuking others.
- Ask God to show you the right time to offer rebuke to others.
HYMN
Help Somebody Today
LTB DEVOTIONS ON FACEBOOK
Receive the daily devotions on your facebook wall by clicking "Like" on http://www.facebook.com/kingjamesbibledailydevotions.