The term "reproveth" is derived from the verb "reprove," which means to correct, rebuke, or express disapproval of someone's actions or behavior. In the context of the Bible, reproving is often associated with God's correction of His people, the role of the prophets, and the responsibilities of believers to one another. The act of reproving is seen as a necessary component of spiritual growth and moral accountability.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Divine Reproof: God's reproof is a demonstration of His love and desire for His people to walk in righteousness. In the Old Testament, God frequently reproves Israel for their disobedience and idolatry, calling them back to His covenant. Proverbs 3:11-12 states, "My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His reproof; for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights." This passage highlights the loving nature of divine reproof, likening it to a father's discipline of his child.

2. Prophetic Reproof: Prophets in the Bible often served as instruments of God's reproof, delivering messages of correction and warning to the people. For example, Nathan the prophet reproves King David for his sin with Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 12. Nathan's reproof leads David to repentance, illustrating the transformative power of godly correction.

3. Reproof Among Believers: The New Testament emphasizes the role of reproof within the Christian community. Believers are encouraged to hold one another accountable and to correct each other in love. In Ephesians 5:11 , Paul writes, "Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." This directive underscores the importance of addressing sin and encouraging holiness within the body of Christ.

4. Wisdom and Reproof: The book of Proverbs frequently associates wisdom with the willingness to accept reproof. Proverbs 9:8 advises, "Do not rebuke a mocker, or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you." This verse suggests that a wise person values correction and sees it as an opportunity for growth, whereas a fool rejects it.

5. Jesus and Reproof: Jesus Himself reproves His disciples and the religious leaders of His time. In Revelation 3:19 , Jesus says, "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent." Here, Jesus reaffirms the connection between love and reproof, calling for repentance as a response to His correction.

Theological Implications

Reproof is an integral aspect of the Christian life, reflecting God's holiness and His desire for His people to live according to His will. It serves as a means of sanctification, helping believers to grow in righteousness and maturity. The willingness to accept reproof is a mark of humility and wisdom, while the act of reproving others should be done with love, patience, and a desire for restoration.

In summary, "reproveth" in the biblical sense is not merely about pointing out faults but is deeply connected to the themes of love, discipline, and spiritual growth. It is a divine tool used to guide believers toward a closer relationship with God and a more Christ-like character.

John Chapter xvi. 8-11.
... angels"? [1541] And many other passages are to be found in the holy evangel,
where Christ reproveth the world of these things. Why ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xcv john chapter xvi.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 15, "If Thy Brother Sin ...
... thee and him alone;" and of the words of Solomon, he that winketh with the eyes
deceitfully, heapeth sorrow upon men; but he that reproveth openly, maketh peace ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxxii on the words.htm

The "Gates of Hades" and the "Gates of Zion" Contrasted.
... But we must make inquiry whether in one of the Twelve [5651] it is said, "They hated
him that reproveth in the gates, and they loathed the holy word." [5652 ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/13 the gates of hades.htm

Psalm LV.
... [1981] He saw that they had stayed at the flesh, and had lost sight of the divinity;
and He reproveth them by propounding a question: "How then doth David ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lv.htm

Of the Prodigal Son.
... transgressed." For when has the Jew not been a transgressor of the law; hearing
with the ear, and not hearing; [790] holding in hatred him who reproveth in the ...
/.../tertullian/on modesty/chapter viii of the prodigal son.htm

The Excuses of Sinners Condemn God
... "Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said"Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty
instruct Him? He that reproveth God, let him answer it. ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/v the excuses of sinners.htm

The Silence of Faith.
... Shall he that contendeth with The Almighty instruct Him? He that reproveth God,
let him answer. But, it may be said, these are Old Testament sayings. ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xxv the silence of.htm

the Nature of this Oversight
... acquainted with the Holy Scriptures, he is exercised in holy duties, he liveth not
in open disgraceful sin, he serveth at God's altar, he reproveth other men's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 1 the nature.htm

The Creator Has Made Wisdom the Supreme Prize
... My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; Neither be weary of his reproof:
For whom the LORD loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he ...
/.../various/select masterpieces of biblical literature/iv the creator has made.htm

Let us Admonish and Correct one Another.
... in mercy, and reprove me; but let not the oil of sinners make fat my head." [251]
And again he saith, "Blessed is the man whom the Lord reproveth, and reject ...
/.../chapter lvi let us admonish and.htm

Reproveth (10 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Reproveth (10 Occurrences). ... 1 Chronicles 16:21 He hath
not suffered any to oppress them, And reproveth on their account kings: (YLT). ...
/r/reproveth.htm - 9k

Reproves (9 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV). Job 40:2 Shall he that reproveth contend with the Almighty?
He that argueth with God, let him answer it. (See NAS). ...
/r/reproves.htm - 8k

Scorner (12 Occurrences)
... Scorner (12 Occurrences). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself
shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ...
/s/scorner.htm - 9k

Offender (6 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:21 That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that
reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought. ...
/o/offender.htm - 8k

Getteth (11 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself
shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. ...
/g/getteth.htm - 9k

Instructeth (6 Occurrences)
... (DBY JPS). Proverbs 9:7 He that instructeth a scorner getteth to himself shame;
and he that reproveth a wicked man getteth to himself a blot. (DBY). ...
/i/instructeth.htm - 8k

Futility (19 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 29:21 that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that
reproveth in the gate, and pervert the judgment of the righteous by futility. ...
/f/futility.htm - 11k

Rebuketh (5 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and
he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. (KJV WBS). ...
/r/rebuketh.htm - 7k

Rebukes (13 Occurrences)
... (WEB). Proverbs 9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and
he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. (See NIV). ...
/r/rebukes.htm - 10k

Reproving (2 Occurrences)

/r/reproving.htm - 7k

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