Topical Bible: Reproof: Hypocrites not Qualified to Give

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In the biblical context, reproof is an act of correction or admonishment, often intended to guide someone back to a righteous path. However, the Bible clearly delineates who is qualified to offer such reproof, emphasizing that hypocrites are not suited for this role. This principle is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

Jesus' Teaching on Hypocrisy and Reproof

One of the most direct teachings on this subject comes from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:3-5 , Jesus addresses the issue of hypocrisy in judgment: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ while there is still a beam in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."

This passage underscores the importance of self-examination and personal integrity before attempting to correct others. Jesus highlights the absurdity of a hypocrite attempting to reprove another, as their own unresolved sin impairs their judgment and credibility.

Old Testament Wisdom on Hypocrisy

The Old Testament also provides insight into the disqualification of hypocrites from offering reproof. Proverbs 26:4-5 offers a nuanced view: "Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes." While this proverb primarily addresses the manner of dealing with folly, it implies that engaging with hypocrisy on its own terms can lead to further folly.

Furthermore, Proverbs 11:9 states, "With his mouth the ungodly man destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous are rescued." This verse suggests that the words of a hypocrite, who is ungodly in their actions, can be destructive rather than corrective.

The Role of Integrity in Reproof

The Bible consistently emphasizes the necessity of integrity and righteousness in those who offer reproof. In Galatians 6:1 , Paul advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." Here, the qualification for offering reproof is being "spiritual," which implies living in accordance with the Holy Spirit and maintaining personal holiness.

The Danger of Hypocritical Reproof

Hypocritical reproof not only lacks the power to effect genuine change but also risks leading others astray. In Romans 2:1 , Paul warns, "You therefore have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things." This passage highlights the self-condemnation inherent in hypocritical judgment, as it reveals a disconnect between one's words and actions.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently teaches that those who live in hypocrisy are not qualified to offer reproof. True correction must come from a place of humility, self-awareness, and righteousness, ensuring that the reproof is both effective and aligned with God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 7:5
You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye; and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother's eye.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Dedication
... that they are more offended at the reproof than at ... And God will uncase the hypocrites
ere long, and make ... And, indeed, if the ministers be not reverenced by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/dedication.htm

Covenanting Adapted to the Moral Constitution of Man.
... 465] To the wicked is addressed the reproof, "O ye ... professedly the people of God,
were but hypocrites, the record is given, "But my people would not hearken to ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vii covenanting adapted to.htm

Treatise on the Priesthood. Book iv.
... 145] and having a portion with the hypocrites. ... he says, "The Lord's servant must
not strive, but ... and also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/treatise on the priesthood book 4.htm

Tenth Sunday after Trinity Spiritual Counsel for Church Officers.
... themselves from false Christians, hypocrites and factious ... Scriptures for admonition
and reproof, for imparting ... the Holy Spirit, were not "administrators;" for ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/tenth sunday after trinity spiritual.htm

The Morality of the Gospel.
... Wo unto you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! ... his lessons or his example, we see
not only benevolence ... into outer darkness." (Matthew 8:11.) His reproof of the ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii the morality of.htm

Preface by the Editor.
... and what it is to be such hypocrites as to ... led to undervalue a preacher who did not
make some use ... of awakening admiration, subjected him to a reproof which he ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/preface by the editor.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... with praise and pipe, as do both hypocrites and sincere ... Solomon in all his glory
was not arrayed like ... as the apostles should be fitted and qualified for their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... in all wickedness would not long continue without reproof, either personally ... 'Or
as the soldiers give unto Each ... he lies by as still as stone, Not knowing what ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Doctrine
... it doth also watch that it may do so, and it doth take all advantages for the
accomplishing of its work in them that give ear thereto, or do not give ear, if ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm