Overview
Reproof is correction motivated by love and truth. The Bible presents reproof as a mark of genuine friendship (Proverbs 27:6) and a means through which the Lord disciplines His people. Receiving reproof demonstrates wisdom and humility, while rejecting it leads to folly and spiritual decline.
Key Scriptures
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:5, NASB). "As many as I love, I rebuke and discipline; therefore be zealous and repent" (Revelation 3:19, NASB). "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 15:5, ESV context of receiving instruction).
Application
Believers should receive reproof with gratitude as a gift from God or faithful friends, examining their hearts to align more closely with Scripture, while also offering gentle correction to others in love when they stray from biblical truth.
✦ Scripture References 40 references
✦ Topical Scripture Breakdown 194 verses
A proof of faithful friendship
Ahijah
An excellent oil
Attention to a proof of prudence
Better than secret love
Better than the praise of fools
Christ gives, in love
Christ sent to give
Contempt of, leads to remorse
Daniel
Delight in those who give
Elijah
Elisha
Eventually brings more respect than flattery
Fearfulness
Fearlessly
General references
Give
Give no occasion for
God gives reproof to his own children
God gives, to the wicked
Hanani
Happiness
Hardness of heart
Hatred of, a proof of brutishness
Hatred of, leads to destruction
Honour
Hypocrisy
Hypocrites not qualified to give
Impenitence
Is despised by the wicked
Is for correction
Joab
John the Baptist
Knowledge
Love those who give
Ministers are empowered to give
Ministers are sent to give
More profitable to saints, than stripes to a fool
Nathan
Not understanding
Of those who offend, a warning to others
Openly
Oppressing out brethren
Paul
Peter
Pray that it be not be in anger
Receive kindly
Rejection of, leads to error
Reviling Christ
Samuel
Sharply, if necessary
Shemaiah
Should be accompanied by exhortation to repentance
Should not discourage saints
Sinful practices
Stephen
The Holy Spirit gives
The Scriptures are profitable for
They who give, are hated by scorners
Unbelief
Understanding
Unreservedly
Unruly conduct
Vain boasting
Wisdom
With all authority
With Christian love
With longsuffering &c
Zechariah