Topical Bible: Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship

◄ Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Reproof, in the context of biblical teaching, is an essential aspect of spiritual growth and community life. It is the act of expressing disapproval or correction, often with the intent of guiding someone back to the right path. In the Scriptures, reproof is not merely a negative action but is portrayed as a vital component of faithful friendship and love.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible emphasizes the importance of reproof as a demonstration of love and concern for others. Proverbs 27:5-6 states, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This passage highlights that a true friend is willing to offer correction, even if it is painful, because it stems from a place of genuine care and commitment to the well-being of the other person.

Reproof and Wisdom

Reproof is closely linked with wisdom in the biblical narrative. Proverbs 9:8 advises, "Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This suggests that those who are wise will appreciate and value reproof, recognizing it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. The wise person understands that reproof is a tool for refining character and aligning one's life with God's will.

The Role of Reproof in Community

In the New Testament, reproof is seen as a necessary function within the Christian community. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, instructs believers to gently restore those who have fallen into sin: "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness" (Galatians 6:1). This directive underscores the communal responsibility to offer reproof with humility and love, aiming for restoration rather than condemnation.

Reproof and Discipline

Reproof is also associated with discipline, which is a sign of God's love for His children. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers, "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." Here, divine reproof is portrayed as an expression of God's fatherly care, intended to guide believers toward holiness and righteousness.

The Attitude of the Reproved

The attitude of the one receiving reproof is crucial. Proverbs 15:31-32 states, "He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." A receptive heart is essential for benefiting from reproof, as it leads to wisdom and understanding.

Conclusion

Reproof, when given and received in the spirit of love and humility, is a powerful expression of faithful friendship. It is a means by which believers can help one another grow in faith and character, reflecting the love and discipline of God Himself.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul's Last Letter
... he will look upon himself as undeserving of reproof, and will ... by the plain words
of the faithful servants of ... the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 49 pauls last letter.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof, and have ... every one his own goodness,
but a faithful man who ... 400) malignant a friend, having no proof of his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

John xi. 49, 50
... out contrariwise, since, [1836] when He died, the faithful were on ... This was a proof
of the genuineness of his ... But him the reproof reacheth not, nor doth the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxv john xi 49.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Abraham, his history a reproof to Jewish pride, [1]97 ... to grace, [380]245, [381]355;
proof of, [382 ... Pastor, the faithful, inconsolable for the loss of souls, [655 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm

The Wisdom of God's Counsels
... Aristotle was afterwards: There needed no other proof of any ... It is well if you can
bear reproof even from me ... up another people, who will be more faithful to his ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 68 the wisdom of.htm

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
... That which reproof did not, this an oath did do ... do charge him to be exactly just,
faithful, and veracious ... if he deemeth his own honesty to bear proof, doth he ...
/.../sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/against rash and vain swearing.htm

Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ...
... Ans. Deep reproof! ... that God hath received them; they do not want to us a proof of
their ... 'I take it to be the highest act of friendship to be faithful to these ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/differences in judgment about water.htm

The Note of Accusation.
... to our minds, may remind us how faithful the pulpit ... Others see in sin a proof that
man is struggling ... committed the greater sin because no reproof was whispered ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter i the note of.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... superfluities but his necessities"a manifest proof of love ... Whose eyes were more upon
the faithful in the ... merely rested upon his lips as a paternal reproof. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Galatians Chapter I.
... by us their governors, they spurn our reproof however gentle ... added to the numbers
of the faithful; since they ... Which is a proof of the strongest kind that he was ...
/.../galatians chapter i.htm