June 29, 2026 -- Proverbs 13:1 -- The power of an appropriate rebuke

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

A wise son hears his father’s instruction,
but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.
Proverbs 13:1 ESV
 
Why do Christians need to be rebuked? BTW, to be rebuked is to receive sharp disapproval, or strong words of correction. Think about who is writing this proverb. King Solomon. His heart was led astray by his 700 wives and 300 concubines. For them he built temples and altars to pagan gods. He knows whereof he speaks when he wrote “a scoffer does not listen to rebuke”. I wonder how many of his officials and priests railed against him for these wicked projects? He ignored them.
 
Sin skews our sense of right and wrong. It is such a basic truth, but it plays out so obviously in real life. Sin collapses reality so that more Sin seems inconsequential. Praise God for the clarity of the Word.
 
Where do you need to be rebuked? Where are you allowing sin to gain a foothold, while simultaneously ignoring what you know is right? In Matthew 4, Jesus’ first preached words were “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). If you know where you’re ignoring wise instruction, turn from that sin and return to God. The grace of God is such He will, by the Spirit’s work convict you of sin while presenting to you Jesus Christ. Jesus was punished in your place for your sin, and His righteousness has been imputed to you. Receive it with thanksgiving as you glorify God.
 
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign;
my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.
   Stanza 1, My Jesus I Love Thee
   Attributed to William R. Featherston (Canada, 1846-1873)
 
https://youtu.be/4oVwY8q31s0?si=vi-U-a4VnlursGE9 My Jesus I Love Thee
 

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