Topical Encyclopedia Reproof, in biblical terms, refers to correction or rebuke, often delivered by God or His messengers to guide individuals back to righteousness. The concept of reproof is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is portrayed as an act of divine love and concern for the moral and spiritual well-being of humanity. However, the wicked, characterized by their rebellion and hard-heartedness, often despise and reject God's reproof.Biblical Instances and Teachings 1. Proverbs and the Rejection of Wisdom: The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of reproof and the response of the wicked. Proverbs 1:24-25 states, "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof." Here, wisdom personified laments the rejection of divine correction, highlighting the folly of ignoring God's guidance. 2. The Hardened Heart: The wicked's despising of reproof is often linked to a hardened heart. In Zechariah 7:11-12 , the prophet describes the Israelites' stubbornness: "But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets." This passage illustrates the deliberate choice to reject divine correction, leading to spiritual insensitivity. 3. Consequences of Despising Reproof: The Scriptures warn of dire consequences for those who despise God's reproof. Proverbs 29:1 declares, "A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery." This verse underscores the inevitable downfall of those who persist in their rebellion against divine correction. 4. The Example of Cain: The account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 provides a poignant example of despising reproof. When God reproves Cain for his anger and warns him of sin's desire to master him, Cain disregards the warning and proceeds to murder his brother Abel. This narrative illustrates the destructive path of ignoring God's corrective voice. 5. The Prophets' Lament: Throughout the Old Testament, prophets lament the people's rejection of God's reproof. Jeremiah 5:3 expresses this sorrow: "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." The prophets' messages often fell on deaf ears, as the wicked chose to persist in their ways. 6. New Testament Insights: The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself addressing the rejection of divine correction. In Matthew 23:37 , Jesus laments over Jerusalem: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!" This passage reflects the persistent refusal of God's people to heed His reproof through His messengers. Theological Implications The despising of God's reproof by the wicked is a profound theological concern, as it reflects a heart resistant to transformation and redemption. The Bible consistently portrays reproof as an opportunity for repentance and restoration, yet the wicked's rejection of it leads to spiritual ruin. This theme serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of humility and openness to divine correction, emphasizing the need for a responsive heart to God's call for righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 1:30They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library That God is to be Loved and Worshipped in Diseases: and Also of ... The Difference Betwixt God's Lovers and the World's: and their ... Messiah Despised, and Rejected of Men God's People Delivered. God's People Delivered Concerning Rehoboam, and How God Inflicted Punishment Upon Him for ... Walking with God The Wicked Husbandmen. The Many-Sided Contrast of Wisdom and Folly A Kingdom's Epitaph Resources What are the differences between Catholics and Protestants? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did Jesus mean when He said to not cast your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6)? | GotQuestions.org What is doctrine? | 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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