RECEIVING REPROOF

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Feb 27, 1896

RECEIVING REPROOF.

In the Bible we read much about the danger of scorning and rejecting reproof. “He that hateth reproof shall die.” Prov. 15:10. “He that refuseth instruction [or correction] despiseth his own soul.” Verse 32. We naturally think that we are doing exceedingly well to receive patiently reproofs that we know we deserve; but we feel that we have a right to reject reproofs that seem to us uncalled for. This is thought to be only the manifestation of a proper spirit of self-respect. But when we do so, we are likely to deprive ourselves of much necessary and wholesome warning; for we are most commonly blind to our own failings, so that we usually think reproof unnecessary. The wise man is he who receives all reproof with meekness. The reproof that we think least deserved may really be the most needed. By accepting all reproof without gainsaying, we run no risk of losing valuable instruction.

If perchance a reproof should be undeserved, then we ought to be able to endure it the better. A man was bitterly complaining that he had been accused of gross misconduct, of which he was entirely innocent. He thought that a man had a right to feel indignant when accused falsely. “Well,” said one to him, “would you feel better if the charges were true?” This put the matter in a different light, and made him more contented. We do well to remember Matt. 5:11, 12.—Present Truth.