Definition and Meaning:
The term "reproves" refers to the act of expressing disapproval or criticism, often with the intention of correcting or guiding someone towards better behavior or understanding. In a biblical context, reproof is seen as a necessary and loving act, intended to lead individuals to righteousness and spiritual growth.

Biblical Usage:
Reproof is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the importance of correction and discipline in the life of a believer. It is often associated with wisdom and understanding, as those who accept reproof are considered wise.

Key Scriptures:

1. Proverbs 3:11-12 :
"My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights."
· This passage highlights the loving nature of divine reproof, comparing it to a father's discipline of his child. It underscores that reproof is an expression of God's love and care.

2. Proverbs 9:8 :
"Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you."
· Here, the response to reproof is contrasted between the mocker and the wise. The wise person appreciates reproof, recognizing it as a path to greater wisdom.

3. Proverbs 12:1 :
"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid."
· This verse connects the love of discipline and reproof with the pursuit of knowledge, suggesting that an aversion to correction is foolish.

4. 2 Timothy 3:16 :
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
· The role of Scripture in providing reproof is emphasized, indicating that the Word of God serves as a tool for correction and spiritual training.

5. Hebrews 12:5-6 :
"And you have forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons: 'My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.'"
· This passage reiterates the theme of divine reproof as an act of love and acceptance, encouraging believers to endure and learn from God's discipline.

Theological Significance:
Reproof is integral to the process of sanctification, the ongoing transformation of a believer into the likeness of Christ. It is through reproof that individuals are made aware of their shortcomings and are guided towards repentance and spiritual maturity. The acceptance of reproof is a mark of humility and openness to God's will.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to both give and receive reproof in a spirit of love and humility. When offering reproof, it should be done with the intention of edifying and restoring the individual, not condemning or belittling. When receiving reproof, believers should approach it with a teachable spirit, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and alignment with God's purposes.

Conclusion:
Reproof, as presented in the Bible, is a vital component of the Christian life, serving as a means of divine guidance and personal development. It is through the acceptance and application of reproof that believers can grow in wisdom and righteousness, ultimately drawing closer to God.3250. yissor -- one who reproves, faultfinder
... 3249, 3250. yissor. 3251 . one who reproves, faultfinder. Transliteration:
yissor Phonetic Spelling: (yis-sore') Short Definition: faultfinder. ...
/hebrew/3250.htm - 6k

3198. yakach -- to decide, adjudge, prove
... reason (2), rebuke (6), rebukes (2), refuted (1), render decisions (2), rendered
judgment (1), reprove (9), reproved (2), reprover (1), reproves (7), surely ...
/hebrew/3198.htm - 6k

He Reproves the Triflings of the Manich??ans as to the Fruits of ...
... Book III. Chapter X."He Reproves the Triflings of the Manich??ans as to
the Fruits of the Earth. 18. These things being ignorant ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter x he reproves the triflings.htm

He Severely Reproves Abaelard for Scrutinizing Rashly and ...
... CHAPTER VII He severely reproves Abaelard for scrutinizing rashly and impiously,
and extenuating the power of, the secret things of God. ...
/.../chapter vii he severely reproves.htm

Christ Cures a Demoniacal Youth after the Disciples had Attempted ...
... attempted it in vain. (Mark, ix., 14; Matt., xvii., 14; Luke, ix.,
37.)"He Reproves the unbelieving Multitude. On descending from ...
/.../section 187 christ cures a.htm

The Fact of the Redeemer's Return
... Therefore it is that His presence here "reproves the world," reproves the world
"of the cause of Christ's absence, reproves the "world" of its awful crime in ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/chapter three the fact of.htm

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... 2 This doctrine reproves them who instead of weeping for sin, spend their days
in mirth and jollity. Instead of mourners we have ranters. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

But Why Should I Prolong this Discussion? I Shall Take no Notice ...
... the faith, and that in those parts of his works which he has himself translated
there is absolutely nothing advanced of the kind which he now reproves in the ...
/.../13 but why should i.htm

The Nature of Spiritual Hunger
... one drop of thy blood! It reproves such as have none of this spiritual hunger. ... The
Word reproves them who hunger and thirst after unrighteousness. ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/13 the nature of spiritual.htm

Sermon for the Fourth Sunday after Easter
... Ruler? Now this is the sin which the Holy Ghost reproves, that man so greatly
and so often resists His divine will and admonitions. ...
/.../xvi sermon for the fourth.htm

Faustus Rejects the Old Testament Because it Leaves no Room for ...
... Church. Augustin answers as well as he can, and reproves the Manich??ans
with presumption in claiming to be the Bride of Christ. ...
/.../faustus rejects the old testament.htm

Argument. --And Thus Unclean Animals are not to be Reproached ...
... It assuredly reproves a life filthy and dirty, and delighting in the garbage of
vice, placing its supreme good not in generosity of mind, but in the flesh alone ...
/.../novatian/on the jewish meats/chapter iii argument and thus unclean.htm

Reproves (9 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reproves (9 Occurrences). ... Job 22:4 Is it for your piety
that he reproves you, that he enters with you into judgment? (WEB NAS RSV). ...
/r/reproves.htm - 8k

Reprover (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who, or that which, reproves.
Multi-Version Concordance Reprover (7 Occurrences). Job 40:2 Is ...
/r/reprover.htm - 8k

Delights (39 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS YLT). Proverbs 3:12 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a
father reproves the son in whom he delights. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/delights.htm - 17k

Reproveth (10 Occurrences)

/r/reproveth.htm - 9k

Loves (97 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). Proverbs 3:12 for whom Yahweh loves, he reproves; even as a
father reproves the son in whom he delights. (WEB NAS RSV NIV). ...
/l/loves.htm - 34k

Invites (7 Occurrences)
... See RSV). Proverbs 9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He who reproves
a wicked man invites abuse. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 10 ...
/i/invites.htm - 8k

Rebukes (13 Occurrences)
... him; (See NIV). Job 22:4 Is it for your piety that he reproves you, that
he enters with you into judgment? (See NIV). Psalms 38:14 ...
/r/rebukes.htm - 10k

Reprove (35 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS). Job 22:4 Is it for your piety that he
reproves you, that he enters with you into judgment? (Root ...
/r/reprove.htm - 18k

Mocker (11 Occurrences)
... blessing. (See JPS). Proverbs 9:7 He who corrects a mocker invites insult. He
who reproves a wicked man invites abuse. (WEB NIV). Proverbs ...
/m/mocker.htm - 14k

Blamelessly (12 Occurrences)
... looking at evil- (WEB). Amos 5:10 They hate him who reproves in the gate,
and they abhor him who speaks blamelessly. (WEB). Micah 2:7 ...
/b/blamelessly.htm - 9k

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