What is the meaning of Proverbs 28:23? He who rebukes a man • Scripture approves loving, straightforward correction. “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:5). • God commands it as an act of care: “You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him” (Leviticus 19:17). • True rebuke seeks restoration, never humiliation; Galatians 6:1 urges, “Restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” • By stepping in, the reprover joins God’s own pattern: “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Revelation 3:19). will later find more favor • The benefit may not come instantly, but it does come. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful; later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Hebrews 12:11). • Favor grows out of gratitude: “Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness” (Psalm 141:5). • Wisdom hears correction. “He who listens to reproof gains understanding” (Proverbs 15:32). When understanding rises, favor follows. • Time proves motives. A faithful rebuke reveals genuine concern; once tempers cool, respect deepens and relationships strengthen. than one who flatters with his tongue • Flattery feels pleasant but is spiritually dangerous. “A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet” (Proverbs 29:5). • It deceives both speaker and listener: “A flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28). • God values truth-telling hearts over smooth words. Psalm 12:2-3 condemns lips that “speak with flattering lips and a double heart.” • Choosing flattery over honesty trades eternal good for momentary ease, leaving wounds unhealed and sin unchecked. summary Honest, caring rebuke aligns with God’s own loving discipline and ultimately wins lasting favor, while flattering speech may soothe for a moment but leads to harm and loss of trust. Embracing correction and rejecting flattery is the path of wisdom, righteousness, and enduring relationship. |
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