Reproof
Reproof
The subject of reproof, i.e. the refutation of error, the discovery of sin, the convincing and convicting of the wrongdcer (, , : Septuagint for. , , ), is mentioned frequently in the Bible. Reproof is used generally in the sense of rebuke. Rules are laid down for its administration, and advice given as to its reception. It is necessary, beneficial, and not to be despised. The great and constant dangers to be avoided are these-reproving unskilfully, withholding reproof unfaithfully, and resenting reproof administered in love. Christians in general are exhorted to reprove the unfruitful works of darkness (Eph 5:11; Eph 5:13; cf. Mat 18:15-18), and Christian ministers in particular must regard reproof as an important duty of their office (1Ti 5:20, 2Ti 4:2, Tit 1:9; Tit 1:13; Tit 2:15).
Reproof may be administered (a) by word, in which case there is the underlying idea of severe rebuke and admonition. The offender must be called upon to give an explanation of his conduct and his fault must be made plain to him (1Ti 5:20, 2Ti 4:2, Jud 1:15; cf. Mat 18:15, Luk 3:19); (b) by deed, in a two-fold sense: (i.) by deeds of light being manifested in a way that will be a virtual reproof of deeds of darkness (Eph 5:13; cf. Joh 3:19-21); (ii.) by chastening or punishment (Heb 12:5; cf. Psa 37:2; Psa 94:12; Psa 119:67; Psa 119:75, Pro 3:11, Jer 31:18-19, Rev 3:19, Wis 12:2, Tob 11:15; Tob 13:5; Tob 13:9, Jdt 8:27); (c) by the Scriptures (2Ti 3:16). Behind the censure lies the fundamental idea of the conviction of sin, The verb signifies prove, refute, expose, convict. It is used with these meanings in classical writers from the time of Euripides. Many scholars hold the opinion that it means rather more than reprove and rather less than convince. For reprove in the sense of bring to the proof see 2Ti 4:2 Revised Version margin; cf. Psa 38:14 Revised Version margin. For reproof in relation to sin, see 1Co 14:24, Jam 2:9, Jud 1:15; cf. Joh 8:9; Joh 8:46; Joh 16:8; Aristoph. Plut. 574. For reproof of false teachers, see Tit 1:9; Tit 1:13; Tit 2:15.
H. Cariss J. Sidnell.
Fuente: Dictionary of the Apostolic Church
REPROOF
Blame or reprehension spoken to a person’s face. It is distinguished from a reprimand thus. He who reproves another, points out his fault, and blames him. He who reprimands, affects to punish, and mortifies the offended. In giving reproof, the following rules may be observed:
1. We should not be forward in reproving our elders or superiors, but rather to remonstrate and supplicate for redress. What the ministers of God do in this kind, they do by special commission, as those that must give an account, 1Ti 5:1. Heb 13:17.
2. We must not reprove rashly; there should be proof before reproof.
3. We should not reprove for slight matters for such faults or defects as proceed from natural frailty, from inadvertency, or mistake in matters of small consequence.
4. We should never reprove unseasonably, as to the time, the place, or the circumstances.
5. We should reprove mildly and sweetly, in the calmest manner, in the gentlest terms.
6. We should not affect to be reprehensive: perhaps there is no one considered more troublesome than he who delights in finding fault with others. In receiving reproof it may be observed,
1. That we should not reject it merely because it may come from those who are not exactly on a level with ourselves.
2. We should consider whether the reproof given be not actually deserved; and that, if the reprover knew all, whether the reproof would not be sharper than what it is.
3. Whether, if taken humbly and patiently, it will not be of great advantage to us.
4. That it is nothing but pride to suppose that we are never to be the subjects of reproof, since it is human to err.
Fuente: Theological Dictionary
Reproof
( , ), blame or reprehension spoken to a person’s face. It is distinguished from a reprimand thus: he who reproves another, points out his fault, and blames him; he who reprimands affects to punish, and mortifies the offender. In giving reproof, the following rules may be observed:
1. We should not be forward in reproving our elders or superiors, but rather to remonstrate and supplicate for redress. What the ministers of God do in this kind, they do by special commission as those that must give an account (1Ti 5:1; Heb 13:17).
2. We must not reprove rashly; there should be proof before reproof.
3. We should not reprove for slight matters, for such faults or defects as proceed from natural frailty, from inadvertency, or mistake in matters of small consequence.
4. We should never reprove unseasonably, as to the time, the place, or the circumstances.
5. We should reprove mildly and sweetly, in the calmest manner, in the gentlest terms.
6. We should not affect to be reprehensive; perhaps there is no one considered more troublesome than he who delights in finding fault with others.
In receiving reproof, it may be observed,
1. That we should not reject it merely because it may come from those who are not exactly on a level with ourselves.
2. We should consider whether the reproof given be not actually deserved; and whether, if the reprover knew all, the reproof would not be sharper than it is.
3. Whether, if taken humbly and patiently, it will not be of great advantage to us.
4. That it is nothing but pride to suppose that we are never to be the subjects of reproof, since it is human to err.
Fuente: Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
Reproof
General references
Lev 19:17; Psa 141:5; Pro 9:7-8; Pro 10:17; Pro 12:1; Pro 13:18; Pro 15:5; Pro 15:10; Pro 15:12; Pro 15:31-32; Pro 17:10; Pro 19:25; Pro 21:11; Pro 25:12; Pro 26:5; Pro 27:5-6; Pro 28:23; Ecc 7:5; Amo 5:10; Mat 18:15-17; Luk 17:3-4; Joh 7:7; Gal 4:16; Eph 4:15; Eph 5:11; Eph 5:13; Phi 3:1; 1Th 5:14; 1Ti 5:1-2; 1Ti 5:20; 2Ti 4:2; Tit 1:13; Heb 3:13; Rev 11:10
Faithfulness in offering reproof, instances of:
– Moses:
b Of Pharaoh
Exo 10:29; Exo 11:8
b Of the Israelites
Exo 16:6-7; Exo 32:19-30; Num 14:41; Num 20:10; Num 32:14; Deu 1:12; Deu 1:26-43; Deu 9:16-24; Deu 29:2-4; Deu 31:27-29; Deu 32:15-18
b Of Eleazar
Lev 10:16-18
b Of Korah
Num 16:9-11
– Israelites:
b Of the two and one-half tribes
Jos 22:15-20
b Of the tribe of Benjamin
Jdg 20:12-13
– Samuel, of Saul
1Sa 15:14-35
– Jonathan, of Saul
1Sa 19:4-5
– Nathan, of David
2Sa 12:1-9
– Joab, of David
2Sa 19:1-7; 2Sa 24:3; 1Ch 21:3
– The prophet Gad, of David
2Sa 24:13
– Shemaiah, of Rehoboam
2Ch 12:5
– A prophet of Judah, of Jeroboam
1Ki 13:1-10; 2Ch 13:8-11
– Elijah:
b Of Ahab
1Ki 18:18-21; 1Ki 21:20-24
b Of Ahaziah
2Ki 1
– Micaiah, of Ahab
1Ki 22:14-28
– Elisha:
b Of Jehoram
2Ki 3:13-14
b Of Gehazi
2Ki 5:26
b Of Hazael
2Ki 8:11-13
b Of Jeroboam
2Ki 13:19
– Isaiah, of Hezekiah
2Ki 20:17
– Jehoash, of Jehoiada
2Ki 12:7
– Azariah:
b Of Asa
2Ch 15:2
b Of Uzziah
2Ch 26:17-18
– Hanani, of Asa
2Ch 16:7-9
– Jehu, of Jehoshaphat
2Ch 19:2
– Zechariah, of the princes of Judah
2Ch 24:20
– Oded, of the people of Samaria
2Ch 28:9-11
– Jeremiah, of the cities of Judah
Jer 26:8-11
– Ezra, of the men of Judah and Benjamin
Ezr 10:10
– Nehemiah:
b Of the Jews
Neh 5:6-13
b Of the corruptions in the temple, and of the violation of the Sabbath
Neh 13
– Daniel:
b Of Nebuchadnezzar
Dan 4:27
b Of Belshazzar
Dan 5:17-24
– Amos, of the Israelites
Amo 7:12-17
– Jesus, of the Jews:
b When Pharisees and Sadducees came to Him desiring a sign
Mat 16:1-4; Mar 8:11-12
b Of the scribes and Pharisees
Mat 23; Luk 11:37-54
b Of the Pharisees
Luk 16
b When they brought the woman to Him who was taken in adultery
Joh 8:7
– Jesus, in His parables:
b Of the king’s feast
Luk 14:16-24
b Of the two sons
Mat 21:28-32
b Of the vineyard
Mat 21:33-46; Mar 12:1-12; Luk 20:9-20
b Of the barren fig tree
Luk 13:6-9
b The withering of the fig tree
Mat 21:17-20; Mar 11:12-14
– John the Baptist:
b Of the Jews
Mat 3:7-12; Luk 3:7-9
b Of Herod
Mat 14:3; Mar 6:17; Luk 3:19-20
– Peter, of Simon, the sorcerer
Act 8:20-23
– Stephen, of the high priest
Act 7:51-53
– Paul:
b Of Elymas, the sorcerer
Act 13:9-11
b Of Ananias, the high priest
Act 23:3
– Paul and Silas, of the magistrates of Philippi
Act 16:37-40
Reproof, despised:
– By the Israelites
Num 14:9-10; Jer 26:11
– By Ahab
1Ki 18:17; 1Ki 21:20; 1Ki 22:8
– By Asa
2Ch 16:10
– By Herodias
Mar 6:18-19
– By people of Nazareth
Luk 4:28-29
– By Jews
Act 5:33; Act 7:54 Reprobacy