Topical Bible: Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools

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Reproof, a term often encountered in biblical literature, refers to the act of expressing disapproval or criticism, particularly with the intent of correcting or improving behavior. Within the scriptural context, reproof is esteemed as a vital component of wisdom and spiritual growth, contrasting sharply with the superficial and often misleading praise of fools.

The Bible, particularly in the wisdom literature, underscores the value of reproof over the empty accolades of those lacking discernment. In Ecclesiastes 7:5 , it is written, "It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools." This verse highlights the superiority of constructive criticism from a wise individual over the hollow flattery of those who lack understanding. The "song of fools" symbolizes the deceptive allure of unmerited praise, which can lead one astray from the path of righteousness.

Proverbs, a book replete with teachings on wisdom, further elaborates on this theme. 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." Here, the text emphasizes that genuine reproof, though it may be painful, is an expression of true friendship and love. In contrast, the insincere praise from an adversary is likened to deceitful kisses, underscoring the potential harm of flattery.

The New Testament also reflects on the importance of reproof in the life of a believer. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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 spiritual development and alignment with God's will.

Reproof is not merely a tool for personal growth but also a communal responsibility within the body of Christ. In Matthew 18:15 , Jesus instructs, "If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over." This directive highlights the role of reproof in maintaining the integrity and unity of the Christian community, encouraging believers to address sin and foster reconciliation.

The biblical perspective on reproof is clear: it is a necessary and beneficial practice that surpasses the fleeting and often misleading praise of fools. By embracing reproof, believers align themselves with wisdom, truth, and the transformative power of God's Word.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... The like may be boldly declared of the evil which ... of heaven tremble and are astonished
at the reproof of the ... having found in him our Savior, better than all we ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

Matt. vii. 1
... He is not overthrowing reproof nor correction, but forbidding men to ... be that find
it," here again He both declared the careless ... [1041] Yea, better surely to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxiii matt vii 1.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

Acts i. 12
... cause of the wickedness, because it carried reproof with it ... were to come upon the
Jews were declared: and Peter ... For indeed that witness had a better right to be ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily iii acts i 12.htm

The Law Established through Faith
... to inquire how we may follow a better pattern, how ... profitable," either "for doctrine,"
or "for reproof," either "for ... and the wrath of God declared against the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 36 the law established.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... it with a boast, for that it would redound to his praise, saying, 'Many ... that the
time is at hand, that we shall see better saints in the world than has been ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... so blessed a gospel as has declared unto us ... of naming of it without the least reproof,
the which he ... some things somewhere else that are better than these, else ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

A Canticle of Love
... had her spotless soul taken its flight than the joy ... those arms she died""happy,"
she declared, "not to ... her 'little Mother,' in order the better to exercise ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/martin/the story of a soul/chapter xi a canticle of.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... declare thine unacquaintance with God's declared method, who to ... knowledge?' 'Turn
you at my reproof: behold,' saith ... do love their dogs better than the children ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
... All the better can we understand, even from the ... Rabbis resisted this practice, and
declared that a ... I wonder whether anyone at present would accept reproof. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the synagogue at.htm