Scolding, often understood as a harsh or sharp reprimand, is a form of communication that can be found in various contexts within the Bible. It is typically associated with correction or rebuke, but the manner and spirit in which it is delivered are of significant importance in Scripture.

Biblical Context and Usage

In the Bible, the act of scolding or rebuking is not inherently negative; rather, it is the intention and method behind it that determine its righteousness or sinfulness. The Scriptures provide guidance on how to approach correction and the attitudes that should accompany it.

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs frequently addresses the theme of correction and the wise reception of rebuke. Proverbs 15:1 states, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." This verse highlights the importance of gentleness and the potential consequences of harsh speech. Similarly, Proverbs 27:5 notes, "Better an open rebuke than love that is concealed," suggesting that honest correction, when done in love, is valuable.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles provide further insight into the nature of rebuke and correction. Jesus Himself rebuked the Pharisees and teachers of the law for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23:13-36), yet His rebukes were rooted in a desire for repentance and truth.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the manner of correction in his epistles. In Ephesians 4:15 , he encourages believers to speak "the truth in love," emphasizing that correction should be motivated by love and aimed at edification. Additionally, in 2 Timothy 4:2 , Paul instructs Timothy to "preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."

The Role of Scolding in Church Discipline

Scolding, or rebuke, plays a role in church discipline as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 , where Jesus provides a process for addressing sin within the community. The goal of such correction is restoration and reconciliation, not condemnation.

Warnings Against Improper Scolding

The Bible warns against scolding that is driven by anger, pride, or malice. James 1:19-20 advises, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for man's anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires." This passage underscores the need for self-control and the dangers of allowing anger to dictate one's words.

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the necessity of correction and rebuke, it consistently calls for these actions to be carried out with love, patience, and humility. Scolding, when done improperly, can lead to division and harm, but when aligned with biblical principles, it serves as a tool for growth and unity within the body of Christ.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scold.

2. (a. & n.) from Scold.

1690. embrimaomai -- to be moved with anger, to admonish sternly
... from en and brimaomai (to snort with anger) Definition to be moved with anger, to
admonish sternly NASB Word Usage deeply moved (2), scolding (1), sternly ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1690.htm - 7k

Whether Doing Good to Another is a Cause of Pleasure?
... But man takes a natural pleasure in certain kinds of ill-doing, such as overcoming,
contradicting or scolding others, or, if he be angry, in punishing them, as ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether doing good to another.htm

Home-Discipline.
... That discipline, therefore, which is ever magnifying trifles, finding fault, scolding
and storming, and threatening and whipping, and falling upon the child ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xix home-discipline.htm

The Note of Pity.
... Lacking the accent of pity, the accusations of the preacher will degenerate into
scolding, and of all scolds the pulpit scold is the most objectionable. ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter ii the note of.htm

Brother Hugh
... When he learned that, as far as lay in Hugh he desired nothing more, he was greatly
shocked, and reduced his nurse-pupil to tears by scolding him for ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ii brother hugh.htm

Pauline Enters the Carmel
... open. Then the hermits had to listen to a well-deserved scolding from Jeanne,
the maid, who seemed as vexed as the shopkeeper. I ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter iii pauline enters the.htm

The Test of Courage
... Of course he sought reasons to justify himself, as we all do when we are in the
wrong. When they were alone, he and Bilinski fell to scolding Stanislaus. ...
/.../chapter vii the test of.htm

The Little Flower Enters the Carmel
... On the rare occasions when I spent an hour with you for spiritual direction, you
seemed to be scolding me nearly all the time, and what pained me most of all ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter vii the little flower.htm

Paul and his Requests for Prayer (Continued)
... This boldness is not the freedom of passionate utterances. It is not scolding nor
rashness. It speaks the truth in love. Boldness is not rudeness. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xvi paul and his requests.htm

A Few Nights after This, Diamond Woke up Suddenly...
... They would have begun by scolding the idiotic cabman; and next they would make his
wife angry by saying it must be her fault as well as his, and by leaving ill ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 18 a few nights.htm

A Tale About Words
... Every word you speak shall be a pearl or a rose." The girl hastened home. Her mother
met her with scolding words, asking her why she had been so long. ...
/.../chidley/fifty-two story talks to boys and girls/a tale about words.htm

Scolding (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Scold. 2. (a. & n.) from
Scold. Multi-Version Concordance Scolding (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/scolding.htm - 6k

Scoop (2 Occurrences)

/s/scoop.htm - 7k

Jaw (6 Occurrences)
... 10. (vi) To scold; to clamor. 11. (vt) To assail or abuse by scolding.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. JAW; JAWBONE; JAW TEETH. ...
/j/jaw.htm - 11k

Rattle (2 Occurrences)
... rattles when shaken. 11. (n.) A noisy, senseless talker; a jabberer. 12.
(n.) A scolding; a sharp rebuke. 13. (n.) Any organ of ...
/r/rattle.htm - 8k

Dressing (7 Occurrences)
... 8. (n.) An ornamental finish, as a molding around doors, windows, or on a ceiling,
etc. 9. (n.) Castigation; scolding; -- often with down. ...
/d/dressing.htm - 9k

Scoffs (5 Occurrences)

/s/scoffs.htm - 7k

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