On Rebukes

by Doy Moyer

“Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5).

The best way to avoid rebuke is to refrain from the activities and attitudes that provoke rebuke in the first place. Yet when rebuked, give it thought as to whether there is something of which to repent. If so, then repent and be thankful that someone loves you enough to point you back to God and truth.

“It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools” (Ecclessiastes 7:5).

Not just any rebuke is a worthy rebuke. We may be rebuked for doing something good if the person rebuking us doesn't understand the value of it. We must listen carefully, then, for the rebuke of the wise is what we want and need. Yet this also requires that we possess some wisdom. The ability to discern good and evil extends to the ability to listen to the advice, encouragement, and even the rebuke of others.

The one thing we must not do is justify wrongdoing on our part because we dislike the rebuke we receive. Do not automatically discount what someone says simply because we do not like the person saying it. We may learn even from our enemies, but we will never learn if we don’t listen.

“A rebuke goes deeper into a man of understanding than a hundred blows into a fool” (Proverbs 17:10).