Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, reproof refers to correction or criticism intended to guide an individual back to the path of righteousness. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of accepting reproof as a means of spiritual growth and moral alignment with God's will. However, a recurring theme in the Bible is the destructive consequences that follow when individuals reject or despise reproof.Proverbs and Wisdom Literature The Book of Proverbs, a key source of wisdom literature in the Bible, frequently addresses the theme of reproof and its rejection. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." This verse underscores the value of embracing correction as a pathway to knowledge and wisdom. Conversely, the refusal to accept reproof is equated with foolishness, leading to ignorance and moral decay. Proverbs 15:10 further warns, "Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die." Here, the text explicitly links the hatred of reproof to death, suggesting that spiritual and perhaps even physical destruction awaits those who stubbornly resist correction. Prophetic Warnings The prophets of the Old Testament also highlight the dangers of rejecting reproof. In Jeremiah 5:3 , the prophet laments, "O LORD, do not Your eyes look for truth? You struck them, but they felt no pain; You finished them off, but they refused to accept discipline. They made their faces harder than stone and refused to repent." This passage illustrates the obstinacy of the people who, despite experiencing God's corrective measures, refuse to change their ways. Their hardened hearts lead to their downfall, as they are unable to perceive the truth and repent. New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues this theme, emphasizing the importance of accepting reproof as part of the Christian life. In Hebrews 12:5-6 , believers are reminded, "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 highlights that divine reproof is an expression of God's love and a sign of belonging to His family. Rejecting such correction is tantamount to rejecting God's paternal care and guidance. Consequences of Rejection The Bible consistently portrays the rejection of reproof as a path to destruction. Proverbs 29:1 warns, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This vivid imagery conveys the sudden and irreversible nature of the destruction that befalls those who persistently resist correction. In the broader biblical narrative, the refusal to heed reproof is often associated with pride and self-reliance, traits that lead individuals away from God and toward ruin. The Scriptures call believers to humility and openness to correction, recognizing that such attitudes are essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 15:10Correction is grievous to him that forsakes the way: and he that hates reproof shall die. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 29:1 Library The Origin of Evil The Origin of Evil. The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C. God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered Ahab and Micaiah Westminster Abbey. On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ... The Note of Accusation. Resources What was Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea in Revelation? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about disrespectful children? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian continue spanking his/her children if it is illegal? | GotQuestions.org Reproof: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Reproof of Those Who offend, a Warning to Others Reproof: A Proof of Faithful Friendship Reproof: Attention to a Proof of Prudence Reproof: Christ Gives, in Love Reproof: Contempt of, Leads to Remorse Reproof: Declared to Be: An Excellent Oil Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than Secret Love Reproof: Declared to Be: Better than the Praise of Fools Reproof: Declared to Be: More Profitable to Saints, than Stripes to a Fool Reproof: Despised by the Israelites Reproof: Despised by the Jewish Leaders Reproof: Despised by the People of Nazareth Reproof: Eventually Brings More Respect than Flattery Reproof: Faithfulness in a Prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Amos, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Azariah, of Uzziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Belshazzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Daniel, of Nebuchadnezzar Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Elijah, of Ahaziah Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Gehazi Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Hazael Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jehoram Reproof: Faithfulness in Elisha, of Jeroboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Ezra, of the Men of Judah and Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Hanani, of Asa Reproof: Faithfulness in Isaiah, of Hezekiah Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Tribe of Benjamin Reproof: Faithfulness in Israelites, of the Two and One-Half Tribes Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehoash, of Jehoiada Reproof: Faithfulness in Jehu, of Jehoshaphat Reproof: Faithfulness in Jeremiah, of the Cities of Judah Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Jesus, of the Scribes and Pharisees Reproof: Faithfulness in Joab, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of Herod Antipas Reproof: Faithfulness in John the Baptist, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Jonathan, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Micaiah, of Ahab Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Eleazar Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Korah Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of Pharaoh Reproof: Faithfulness in Moses, of the Israelites Reproof: Faithfulness in Nathan, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in Nehemiah, of the Jews Reproof: Faithfulness in Oded, of the People of Samaria Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Barren Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness In of the King's Feast Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Two Sons Reproof: Faithfulness In of the Vineyard Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul and Silas, of the Magistrates of Philippi Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Ananias, the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in Paul, of Elymas (Bar-Jesus), the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Peter, of Simon, the Sorcerer Reproof: Faithfulness in Samuel, of Saul Reproof: Faithfulness in Shemaiah, of Rehoboam Reproof: Faithfulness in Stephen, of the High Priest Reproof: Faithfulness in The Prophet Gad, of David Reproof: Faithfulness in The Withering of the Fig Tree Reproof: Faithfulness in Zechariah, of the Princes of Judah Reproof: General Scriptures Concerning Reproof: God Gives Reproof to his own Children Reproof: God Gives, to the Wicked Reproof: Hatred of, a Proof of Brutishness Reproof: Hatred of, Leads to Destruction Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give Reproof: Leads to Understanding Reproof: Ministers are Empowered to Give Reproof: Ministers are Sent to Give Reproof: Ministers should Give with all Authority Reproof: Ministers should Give with Christian Love Reproof: Ministers should Give with Longsuffering Reproof: Ministers should Give: Fearlessly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Openly Reproof: Ministers should Give: Sharply, If Necessary Reproof: Ministers should Give: Unreservedly Reproof: On Account of Fearfulness Reproof: On Account of Hardness of Heart Reproof: On Account of Hypocrisy Reproof: On Account of Impenitence Reproof: On Account of not Understanding Reproof: On Account of Oppressing out Brethren Reproof: On Account of Reviling Christ Reproof: On Account of Sinful Practices Reproof: On Account of Unbelief Reproof: On Account of Unruly Conduct Reproof: On Account of Vain Boasting Reproof: Rejection of, Leads to Error Reproof: Saints should Delight in Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Give No Occasion For Reproof: Saints should Love Those Who Give Reproof: Saints should Receive Kindly Reproof: The Holy Spirit Gives Reproof: The Scriptures are Profitable For Reproof: They Who Give, are Hated by Scorners Reproof: when from God is Despised by the Wicked Reproof: when from God is for Correction Reproof: when from God: Pray That It be not be in Anger Reproof: when from God: should be Accompanied by Exhortation to Repentance Reproof: when from God: should not Discourage Saints Related Terms |
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