Rebuking is a significant theme in the Bible, often depicted as a necessary action to promote correction and righteousness. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings about rebuking, and these teachings offer important insights into how and when to use rebuke in various situations. It is important to keep in mind that the Bible emphasizes the importance of love, gentleness, and discretion when rebuking others.
What the Bible Teaches about Rebuking
The Bible showcases both the necessity and the correct manner of imparting rebuke. One fundamental principle is the motive behind the rebuke. It underscores rebuking as a means of constructive criticism meant to guide and correct, rather than an instrument of harm or humiliation. The Bible teaches that true rebuke originates from a deep-seated concern for the well-being of the person whom we intend to rebuke. It demonstrates rebuking as a tool for growth and spiritual development, to steer individuals away from wrongful paths and to propel them towards virtuous actions.
Who Should We Rebuke According to the Bible
The Bible suggests that rebuke is not limited to particular individuals. Everyone, regardless of their status, may require reproof at some point. However, it also emphasizes the need to exercise discernment and tact when delivering rebuke. The Bible instructs that we should be open to receiving rebuke as well. It portrays rebuke as an integral part of deep, authentic relationships – a way of expressing concern and a willingness to correct any wrongs in order to foster individual growth and collective harmony.
When the Bible Advocates for Rebuking
According to the Bible, there are circumstances when rebuking becomes not only appropriate but necessary. It distinguishes situations where concession and tolerance may indirectly sanction immorality or injustice. In such instances, rebuke acts as a means to restore moral and ethical order. The Bible also endorses rebuking when a person deviates from the path of righteousness or when their actions cause harm to themselves or to others. However, it is important to note that such a rebuke should be delivered with a spirit of love and humility and not in self-righteousness or anger.
Why the Bible Emphasizes the Importance of a Righteous Rebuke
The Bible underscores the importance of righteous rebuke in bolstering moral and spiritual growth. It portrays rebuke as a form of constructive criticism aimed at diverting individuals from wrongful actions and guiding them towards paths of righteousness. The Bible uses examples of righteous figures rebuking, not out of anger or desire to inflict pain, but with the intention of encouraging personal transformation and spiritual development. It makes clear that right-minded rebuking is not a punishment but a tool of enlightenment and improvement driven by love and genuine concern.
How to Deliver a Biblical Rebuke
Finally, the Bible offers guidance on how to deliver a rebuke without causing harm or wounding pride. It emphasizes the need to approach rebuke with a gentle heart and compassionate tongue. The motivation for the rebuke should always be clear – it is not intended to belittle or disgrace the person, but to help them recognize their wrongdoings and inspire them to rectify their actions. The Bible advises that rebukes should be offered in a spirit of love and concern, with the aim of encouraging repentance and promoting personal growth and moral betterment.
Below is our full list of bible verses on rebuking (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Rebuking
Proverbs 27:5
“5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.”
Related Themes: Criticism Friendship Offense
Matthew 18:15-17
“15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Resolving Conflict Gossip
1 Timothy 5:20
“20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”
Galatians 6:1
“1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Related Themes: Criticism Trespassing Reaping Pride Judging Others
Titus 2:15
“15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”
Related Themes: Discipline
2 Timothy 4:2
“2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”
Related Themes: Patience Arguing Discernment Attitude
2 Timothy 3:16-17
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
James 5:20
“20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
Related Themes: Judging Others
Luke 17:3-4
“3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Repentance Criticism Bitterness
Proverbs 1:23
“23 Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.”
Related Themes: Repentance Disobedience
Proverbs 27:6
“6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.”
Related Themes: Criticism Friendship Dating Telling The Truth Reputation
Hebrews 4:12
“12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
Related Themes: Discernment Greatness Omnipresence Heart Complaining
Proverbs 29:15
“15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
Related Themes: Respecting Your Parents Children Education Discipline Wisdom
1 Timothy 5:1
“1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;”
Related Themes: Dating Respecting Your Parents Impurity Old Age
2 Timothy 3:16
“16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”
Related Themes: Criticism Education Business Education Learning
Revelation 3:19
“19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
Related Themes: Repentance Discipline Learning Attitude
Jude 1:9
“9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
Proverbs 9:8-9
“8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”
Related Themes: Criticism Judging Others
Mark 16:14
“14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.”
Related Themes: Reaping What You Sow
Zechariah 3:2
“2 And the LORD said unto Satan, The LORD rebuke thee, O Satan; even the LORD that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire?”
Related Themes: Satan
1 Corinthians 5:12
“12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?”
Related Themes: Judging Others
Leviticus 19:17
“17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.”
Related Themes: Bitterness Hate Anger
Matthew 17:18
“18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour.”
James 4:7
“7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Related Themes: Lust Bitterness Addiction Satan Surrender
Proverbs 9:8
“8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
Related Themes: Criticism Judging Others
1 Corinthians 5:11-13
“11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”
Related Themes: Dating Acceptance Money Tolerance Reputation
Proverbs 12:1
“1 Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
Related Themes: Discipline Criticism Respecting Your Parents Morality Learning
Luke 17:3
“3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Repentance Criticism Bitterness
Matthew 18:15
“15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Resolving Conflict Gossip
Ephesians 6:12
“12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
Related Themes: Self-Control Satan Evil Strongholds Flesh
