Posted on 04/24/2021 10:59:57 PM PDT by Pilgrim's Progress
“As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear” (Proverbs 25:12).
Anyone that has grown to be a strong, mature Christian is grateful for those people in their lives that acted as “wise reprovers.” Of course, unless the wise reproof falls on obedient ears, it goes for naught.
Scripture is vibrant with examples of wise reprovers upon obedient ears, though it may not have been pleasant at the time it was given.
Sarah and God gave Abraham wise reproach in the matter of Hagar: “Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called” (Genesis 21:10-12). It was foolishness on the part of Abraham to give heed to his wife with regards to Sarah’s handmaid, as his acts only brought strife and confusion to Abraham. It was difficult to cast Hagar out of the camp, but the promise was to be fulfilled in Isaac, not Ishmael.
How it must have burned for David to listen to the reproof of Nation after his sin with Bathsheba, but had those words not been spoken, “Thou art the man!”, this man after God’s own heart may never have repented of his great sin of adultery and murder of Uriah.
God sent reproof to the King of Judah, Josiah which restored him to God’s good favor upon his repentance: “And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the LORD, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the LORD” (2 Chronicles 34:26-27).
Thank God that he still reproves His children today, through His word. Why read God’s word? Because we need it to be convicted of our sins and brought to font that cleanses us from all sin and give us instructions to live right.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17).
Thank God for His living word!
If anyone would like to be added to the ping list, please let me know either by post or by p.m.
For more books on all topics of the Bible, visit my web site at:
BAPTIST BIBLE BELIEVERS WEBSITE
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.