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It is not only the function of the minister of Christ to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort" (2 Timothy 4:2); the "man of God" is to be so furnished from Scripture as to be able to administer "reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16.17). But instruction, especially when it takes the form of correction, has its penalty as well as its recompense.

I. THE PENALTY OF INSTRUCTION. (Vers. 7, 8). It is in the heart of the wise to rebuke iniquity. Those who are upright and true, who hate evil even as God hates it, are stirred to a holy indignation when they behold the dark and shameful manifestations of sin, and remonstrance rises to their lips. It is as "fire in their bones" until they have "delivered their soul."

2. Rebuke is often decidedly advantageous. It not, only relieves the mind of the godly speaker, but it shames those who should be made to blush for their deeds. Even when it fails to impress the principal defaulter, the arch-criminal, it may produce a wholesome influence on the minds of those who witness it. A burning flame of righteous wrath will sometimes consume much unrighteousness.

3. Nevertheless, it is true that the wise must count on the contrary being the result. It may be that remonstrance will be thrown away, that it will come to nothing but shame on the part of him that reproves - a "blot on the page," and nothing but provocation to him that is rebuked, inciting him to hatred (ver. 8). The likelihood must be reckoned, and the wise must act accordingly. If there is hope of doing good, some risk may well be run. All interposition is not here discountenanced. Good men must use their discretion. There is a time to speak, using the language of strong and even severe reproach. On the ether hand - this is the truth of the text - there is a time to be silent, to leave abandoned and guilty men to be condemned of God. Reproach would be lost upon them; it would only come back with a severe rebound, and wound the speaker (see Matthew 7:6).

II. THE PROMISE OF INSTRUCTION. (Vers. 8, 9.)

1. There are those in whom is the spirit of docility. They are ready to learn. Of these are the young. Our Lord commended the spirit of childhood partly for this reason, viz. that it is the spirit of docility. It has openness of mind, eagerness of heart to receive instruction. Of these, also, are those in whom the spirit of wisdom dwells, but who have fallen into error.

2. Instruction in these cases will be well repaid. If we rebuke a wise man, a man who is essentially good but accidentally wrong, we shall meet with appreciation: "he will love us." If we impart instruction to those already wise, we shall add to their excellency (ver. 9). So that intelligent, well timed instruction will do two things.

(1) It will restore the erring - a most valuable and admirable action, on which the best of men may truly congratulate themselves.

(2) It will multiply the power of the good. It will add knowledge and wisdom to those who are already wise; it will make good men better, happier, worthier, in themselves; it will also make them more influential for good in the sphere in which they move. This, then, is the threefold lesson of the text:

1. Know when to be silent under provocation.

2. Speak the word of reproach in season.

3. Communicate knowledge to all who will welcome it. - C.

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KJV: He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

WEB: He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves a wicked man invites abuse.