Nobody likes to be told they are wrong. It is not pleasant to reflect on our actions and then have to humbly admit a shortcoming. However, consider the other side of the coin. Receiving correction is difficult, but offering it (correctly) can be a challenge as well. It takes courage to correct our brothers and sisters in Christ or to address sin in a Bible Study with someone who is lost. By the very nature of correction, conflict usually follows. It is conflict that often creates fear. This fear sometimes leads us to “sweep problems under the rug” instead of addressing them as we ought. Proverbs 27:5,6 says, “Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy.” Consider a few lessons on correction from these verses.
#1: Rebuke is a form of love.
Divine wisdom says that an open rebuke is better than concealed love. Perhaps this is because open rebuke is a better form of love. True love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices in the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6). Therefore, with an attitude of patience and kindness (1 Corinthians 13:4), choose to speak truthfully concerning sin instead of avoiding conflict in the name of “love,” “unity,” “fear,” or many other insufficient reasons. If someone begins to gossip, humbly remind them that such speech is not God-honoring. If another chooses to forsake the assembly, remind them that we miss them and they need to come back. If we continue to see such situations and fail to have the courage to correct, wisdom says we lack love towards those in sin.
#2: Correction from brethren is better than praise from the world.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend because the result is growth, righteousness, and a good standing with the Lord. Sin is messy; therefore, it is not “fun” to clean up. However, wisdom reminds us of the benefit of one who has the courage to correct: faithfulness. In contrast, the text tells us that praise or “kisses” from the enemy are deceitful. In other words, there is no benefit, and there is actually much harm. Everyone wants to hear what they are doing well, but oftentimes, real growth happens when we address our imperfections.
In conclusion, consider two additional passages to keep in mind concerning correction. Galatians 6:1 demands that we correct with a gentle spirit created by self-reflection. Matthew 7:5 calls us to look at our own struggles before we address the problems of others. Neither negates the need to correct, but these passages show us what attitude we must have when we correct. So, remember… Choosing to correct is both loving and better than a false praise the world offers. May we do so as the need arises, and be humble enough to receive it when we fall short.
-Bryce Mayfield