DEALING WITH REBUKES

We usually don't like to be rebuked...
 
But...

Without correction we do not reach the perfect and pleasant path of THE WILL AND THE PEACE of God.

Proverbs 12: 1

"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge,
But he who hates correction is stupid.”

Proverbs 9: 7-9

"He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself,
And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself.
Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you;
Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;
Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.”

 A rebuke is an advice.

Proverbs 12: 15

"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise.”

Proverbs 19: 20

"Listen to the counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your later days.”

Proverbs 13: 18

"Poverty and shame will come to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored.”

The opposite of rebuke is flattering.
 
A rebuke builds but feels like destruction, but flattering destroys having appearance of lifting up.

The Lord rebukes us, the enemy flatters us, touching our ego, and if we don't watch, instead of submitting to the Lord we submit to the enemy.

Where there is pride there is an evil spirit behind.
Do not give a chance to the enemy to be your lord, refuse to let pride enter your heart.

Proverbs 28: 23

"He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with his tongue.”

Proverbs 7: 21

"With her enticing speech she caused him to yield,
With her flattering lips she seduced him.”

(This verse above describes not only an immoral woman but the enemy, the serpent)

Proverbs 29: 1

"He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck,
Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”

Proverbs 29: 5

"A man who flatters his neighbor
Spreads a net for his feet.”

Proverbs 3: 11-12

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,
Nor detest His correction;
For whom the LORD loves He corrects,
Just as a father the son in whom he delights.”

Proverbs 13: 1

"A wise son heeds his father`s instruction,
But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.”

Proverbs 13: 24

"He who spares his rod hates his son,
But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”

Proverbs 15: 5

"A fool despises his father instruction,
But he who receives correction is prudent.”

Proverbs 15: 12

"A scoffer does not love one who corrects him,
Nor will he go to the wise.”

Proverbs 15: 32

"He who disdains instruction despises his own soul,
But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding.”

Proverbs 17: 10

"Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
Than a hundred blows on a fool.”

Obey the rebuke of the Lord so you may avoid anguish.

Proverbs 1: 25-33

"Because you disdained all my counsel,

And would have none of my rebuke,

I also will laugh at your calamity;
I will mock when your terror comes,

When your terror comes like a storm,
And your destruction comes like a whirlwind,
When distress and anguish come upon you.

“Then they will call on me, but I will not answer;
They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me.
Because they hated knowledge
And did not choose the fear of the Lord,They would have none of my counsel
 
And despised my every rebuke. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way,
 
And be filled to the full with their own fancies. For the turning away of the simple will slay them,
 
And the complacency of fools will destroy them; But whoever listens to me will dwell safely,
And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

If you think it is a little bit late and you already find yourself in this condition, remember that we all abandon wisdom sometimes, when pride comes, or when we feel exhausted of fighting, or for many different reasons.

But it is never too late to repent.

Sometimes the consequence of our stubborness (sin) may last for a time and it is necessary to have patience until certain conditions, comes back to normal. (Prov. 22: 4)
But maintain yourself in the correction's path and all will be restored.

Prayer:

"Father, restore in our heart the love for wisdom.
Help us to repent and to have patience to maintain ourselves in your peace.
In Jesus Name, Amen."