Topical Bible: Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love

◄ Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love ►

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Reproof, a term often encountered in biblical literature, refers to the act of expressing disapproval or criticism, typically with the intention of correcting or guiding someone towards righteousness. In the context of Christian doctrine, reproof is considered an essential component of spiritual growth and communal harmony. The Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature, emphasizes the value of reproof as a tool for personal and collective edification.

The Book of Proverbs, known for its practical wisdom and moral teachings, highlights the superiority of reproof over secret love. Proverbs 27:5 states, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed." This verse underscores the importance of transparency and honesty in relationships. Open rebuke, or reproof, is portrayed as more beneficial than love that remains hidden, suggesting that genuine care for others is demonstrated through the willingness to correct and guide them.

From a biblical perspective, reproof is not merely about pointing out faults but is an expression of love and concern for the spiritual well-being of others. Proverbs 27:6 further elaborates on this concept: "The wounds of a friend are faithful, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." Here, the "wounds" refer to the constructive criticism or reproof given by a true friend, which, although potentially painful, are ultimately intended for the recipient's benefit. In contrast, the "kisses of an enemy" symbolize insincere flattery or affection that lacks genuine concern.

The New Testament also reflects on the role of reproof within the Christian community. In Ephesians 5:11 , believers are instructed, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This directive encourages Christians to actively engage in reproof by exposing and correcting sinful behaviors, thereby fostering a community that upholds righteousness and truth.

Reproof is further supported by the apostolic teachings found in 2 Timothy 3:16 , which states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This passage affirms that reproof, as part of the broader process of correction, is integral to the transformative power of Scripture. It serves as a divine tool for shaping believers into the likeness of Christ.

In the context of church discipline, reproof is a necessary step in maintaining the purity and integrity of the body of Christ. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, beginning with private reproof and, if necessary, escalating to public correction. This process underscores the importance of reproof in restoring relationships and ensuring accountability among believers.

In summary, reproof, as declared in Scripture, is esteemed as better than secret love due to its role in promoting truth, accountability, and spiritual growth. It is an expression of genuine love and concern, aimed at guiding individuals and communities towards righteousness and holiness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:5
Open rebuke is better than secret love.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures
... and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction ... 3. And then the soul
is manifestly declared to be ... would find the way to heaven better than they can ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture iii the authority and.htm

His First Residence in Germany.
... woman confessed it had been as was declared, that she ... This arose from want of better
information respecting the ... I say, either in counsel or reproof, is always ...
/.../chapter iv his first residence.htm

John vii. 9, 10
... kind, but, on the contrary, declared by what ... made shameless by an unexpected reproof,
and put ... which is more authoritative and better than circumcision." Then ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xlix john vii 9.htm

Divine Sovereignty
... the once race purer in its origin and better in its ... to feed a mouse; he has plenty
of reproof, but no ... days there was hardly a shower but they declared that God ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/divine sovereignty.htm

"Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother. "
... how could those in power serve God better and thereby ... This Christ declared, Matthew
24:"If they shall say unto ... the sword, the rest of us with reproof and rebuke ...
/.../luther/a treatise on good works/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

The Sermon on the Mount
... test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the ... a passport to heaven; but
Jesus declared it to ... not judged." Do not think yourself better than other men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 31 the sermon on.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... temper; and, if so, the Lord has declared that he ... Do I in lowliness of mind esteem
others better than myself? ... Am I more ready to receive reproof from others ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... By messages of reproof and by severe judgments, He ... 9:3. And again he declared, "Because
sentence ... was constrained to declare, "Wisdom is better than weapons of ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

The Minister's Farewell
... that there is something for them; a reproof for their ... Nor do I think any man has
declared the whole ... declares the whole counsel of God better than by referring ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/the ministers farewell.htm

Matt. xii. 46-49.
... the affinity by character; which Christ also declared, when He ... them into despair,
but He leaves the reproof to the ... who live on them, are in better health; but ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xliv matt xii 46-49.htm