Topical Bible: Oil: Kind Reproof

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, oil often symbolizes anointing, healing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. However, the concept of "kind reproof" associated with oil is a metaphorical expression found in the Psalms, illustrating the gentle and constructive nature of correction among the faithful.

Scriptural Reference:

The primary reference to oil as a metaphor for kind reproof is found in Psalm 141:5, which states: "Let a righteous man strike me—it is kindness; let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head. Let my head not refuse it. For my prayer is ever against the deeds of the wicked."

Interpretation:

In this verse, King David expresses a profound openness to correction from the righteous. The imagery of oil is significant, as oil was used in ancient Israel for anointing, symbolizing blessing, consecration, and the Holy Spirit's presence. By comparing reproof to oil, David acknowledges that correction from a righteous person is not only beneficial but also a blessing that leads to spiritual growth and refinement.

The Role of Righteous Reproof:

The Bible emphasizes the importance of community and accountability among believers. Proverbs 27:6 states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." This highlights the value of honest and loving correction over superficial flattery. Righteous reproof, like oil, is intended to heal and restore, not to harm or condemn.

Application in Christian Life:

In the Christian community, kind reproof is an essential practice for maintaining spiritual health and unity. It requires humility, both from the one offering correction and the one receiving it. The New Testament encourages believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) and to restore one another gently (Galatians 6:1).

Symbolism of Oil in Reproof:

The use of oil as a metaphor for reproof underscores the gentle and nurturing aspect of correction. Just as oil soothes and heals, kind reproof aims to bring about healing and growth. It is an act of love and concern, reflecting the character of Christ, who corrects and disciplines those He loves (Revelation 3:19).

Conclusion:

The metaphor of oil for kind reproof in the Bible serves as a reminder of the value of righteous correction. It is a call for believers to embrace accountability and to view reproof as a means of grace, leading to greater conformity to the image of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 141:5
Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sluggard's Reproof
... The Sluggard's Reproof. ... easy thing to be a Christian" as if Christianity were a kind
of thing ... You took no care to have oil in your vessel for your lamp; and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards reproof.htm

Of Love to God
... Love has not only a smooth tongue, but a kind heart. ... to God must be above all other
things, as the oil swims above ... A sharp reproof to those who do not love God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/of love to god.htm

Matt. xxvi. 6, 7
... that she be not driven to perplexity by the reproof of the ... For indeed after the oil
had been poured out, their ... it be what you will of this kind, they proclaim ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxx matt xxvi 6.htm

The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ...
... The Reproof of Christ would be administered there; then ... poured into a vessel full
of oil, by which ... Anthropomorphism of the coarsest kind is carried beyond the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxxi the cavils of.htm

On the Morrow of the Transfiguration
... is in Christ, it is not the oil that is ... That kind' - whether it be of sin, of lust,
of the ... The expression generation' although embracing in its reproof all the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii on the morrow.htm

In Death and after Death
... of despair; after four days', that of reproof; after five ... anoint the sick with a
mixture of oil, wine, and ... places were kept free from every kind of profanation ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm

Galatians Chapter iv.
... them a deep cut, he pours in this encouragement like oil; and, showing ... And the offense
was of no trivial kind. ... And this weeping is not only a reproof but a ...
/.../galatians chapter iv.htm

Christian Meekness
... Meekness is needful in reproof. ... the gall they gave him, but Christ's words were smoother
than oil. ... right stock of faith, yet it was very beautiful in its kind. ...
/.../watson/the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/12 christian meekness.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... So by cutting reproof when we lance men's consciences and let out ... Good words are
but a cold kind of charity ... air.' Let your words be as smooth as oil, they will ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

1 Cor. xi. 17
... reproofs to others again of an invidious kind and so ... poor; he relaxes again the tones
of his reproof, saying, all ... for even those virgins too had oil, only they ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvii 1 cor xi.htm