Definition and Nature:
Reproofs, in the biblical context, refer to expressions of disapproval or correction, often intended to guide individuals back to a righteous path. They are a form of discipline that aims to correct behavior, beliefs, or attitudes that deviate from God's standards. Reproofs are an essential aspect of spiritual growth and maturity, serving as a tool for instruction and improvement.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of reproof is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it is portrayed as a necessary and beneficial aspect of a believer's life. The Bible emphasizes the importance of accepting reproofs as a means of gaining wisdom and understanding.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature:
The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of reproof, highlighting its role in the acquisition of wisdom. Proverbs 6:23 states, "For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life." This verse underscores the life-giving nature of reproofs, equating them with guidance and enlightenment.

Proverbs 15:31-32 further illustrates the value of reproof: "He who listens to life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise. He who ignores discipline despises himself, but whoever heeds correction gains understanding." Here, reproof is presented as a pathway to wisdom and self-improvement, contrasting the outcomes of accepting versus ignoring correction.

New Testament Perspective:
In the New Testament, reproof continues to be an integral part of Christian teaching and community life. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often emphasizes the role of reproof in maintaining doctrinal purity and moral integrity. In 2 Timothy 3:16 , Paul writes, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness." This passage highlights the multifaceted purpose of Scripture, including its role in providing reproof.

Role in Church Discipline:
Reproofs are also a key component of church discipline, aimed at restoring individuals who have strayed from biblical teachings. In Matthew 18:15-17 , Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, beginning with private reproof and escalating to communal involvement if necessary. This process underscores the redemptive purpose of reproof, seeking to bring about repentance and reconciliation.

Attitude Toward Reproof:
The Bible encourages believers to adopt a humble and receptive attitude toward reproof. Proverbs 12:1 states, "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid." This verse calls for an appreciation of reproof as a means of gaining knowledge and wisdom.

Divine Reproof:
God Himself administers reproof to His people, motivated by love and a desire for their holiness. Hebrews 12:5-6 reminds believers, "My son, do not take lightly the discipline of the Lord, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you. For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." Divine reproof is thus an expression of God's paternal care and commitment to the spiritual well-being of His children.

Conclusion:
Reproofs, as depicted in the Bible, are an essential element of spiritual discipline and growth. They serve as a means of correction, instruction, and ultimately, transformation, guiding believers toward a life that aligns with God's will and wisdom.8433b. tokachath -- argument, reproof
... yakach Definition argument, reproof NASB Word Usage argument (1), arguments (2),
chastened (1), rebuke (1), rebukes (2), reproof (14), reproofs (2), reproved (1 ...
/hebrew/8433b.htm - 5k

Sundry Sharp Reproofs
... 7. Sundry sharp reproofs. This doctrine draws up a charge against several
sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/7 sundry sharp reproofs.htm

How the Humble and the Haughty are to be Admonished.
... It is, however, to be considered that for the most part we more profitably reprove
the haughty, if with our reproofs of them we mingle some balms of praise. ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xvii how the humble.htm

It is Related that when Pilate Would Fain have Released Him all ...
... In the Psalms it is written, "I became as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth
are no reproofs." And again, "I was as a deaf man, and heard not, and as ...
/.../22 it is related that.htm

Further Reasons for Practising Patience. Its Connection with the ...
... with whom He deigns to be wroth! whom He does not deceive by dissembling
His reproofs! On every side, therefore, we are bound to ...
/.../tertullian/of patience/chapter xi further reasons for practising.htm

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs
of instruction are the way of life.""Proverbs 6:20-23. ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

On the Feast of St Timothy, or the Memorial of St Peter
... And this would often tend more to his neighbour's improvement than all the efforts
he could make for it in the way of reproofs or chastisements, even if they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xii on the feast.htm

Sermon for St. Peter's Day
... And this would often tend more to his neighbour's improvement than all the efforts
he could make for it in the way of reproofs or chastisements, even if they ...
/.../xxvi sermon for st peters.htm

Let the Authors of Sedition Submit Themselves.
... Since I called, and ye did not hear; I held forth My words, and ye regarded not,
but set at naught My counsels, and yielded not at My reproofs; therefore I too ...
/.../chapter lvii let the authors of.htm

Let the Authors of Sedition Submit Themselves.
... Since I called, and ye did not hear; I held forth my words, and ye regarded not,
but set at naught my counsels, and yielded not at my reproofs; therefore I too ...
/.../keith/the epistles of clement/chapter lvii let the authors of.htm

Church Discipline.
... of the New Testament contain exhortations to progress in virtue and piety, warnings
against unfaithfulness and apostasy, and reproofs respecting corrupt ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 63 church discipline.htm

Reproofs (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reproofs (5 Occurrences). Psalms 38:14 Yes, I am as a
man who doesn't hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs. (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/r/reproofs.htm - 7k

Reproof (29 Occurrences)

/r/reproof.htm - 15k

Reprove (35 Occurrences)

/r/reprove.htm - 18k

Jeremiah (141 Occurrences)
... I. The introduction, ch. 1. II. Reproofs of the sins of the Jews, consisting of
seven sections,. (1.) ch. 2; (2.) ch. 3-6; (3.) ch. 7-10; (4.) ch. 11-13; ...
/j/jeremiah.htm - 75k

Rebukes (13 Occurrences)
... you into judgment? (See NIV). Psalms 38:14 Yes, I am as a man who doesn't
hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs. (See RSV). Psalms 39 ...
/r/rebukes.htm - 10k

Desirableness (2 Occurrences)
... Psalms 39:11 With reproofs against iniquity, Thou hast corrected man, And dost waste
as a moth his desirableness, Only, vanity 'is' every man. Selah. (YLT). ...
/d/desirableness.htm - 7k

Corrected (7 Occurrences)
... Psalms 39:11 With reproofs against iniquity, Thou hast corrected man, And dost waste
as a moth his desirableness, Only, vanity 'is' every man. Selah. (YLT). ...
/c/corrected.htm - 8k

Arguments (29 Occurrences)
... an answer. (BBE). Psalms 38:14 Yea, I am as a man that heareth not, And
in whose mouth are no reproofs. (See JPS NAS). Proverbs 19 ...
/a/arguments.htm - 14k

Elijah (104 Occurrences)
... (See also Luke 4:25; 9:54.) He was a type of John the Baptist in the sternness and
power of his reproofs (Luke 9:8). He was the Elijah that "must first come ...
/e/elijah.htm - 71k

Deuteronomy (1 Occurrence)
... The rabbins speak of it as "the Book of Reproofs." It is the text of all prophecy;
a manual of evangelical oratory; possessing "all the warmth of a Bernard ...
/d/deuteronomy.htm - 44k

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