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Parenting by the Book

Proverbs   Study
Study 317

STUDY 317

Text: Proverbs 27
22 July 2007

Dear Parents,

AVOIDING NECESSARY REBUKE
Many of us are afraid of practicing the concept of “open rebuke”. There are many reasons why we tend to shy away from this practice. Five reasons may be highlighted:-

1. It is a cultural problem (Asian).

2. We are afraid of offending people.

3. We prefer to look away from the problems that need to be addressed.

4. We fear we would lose friends.

5. We think that love is better expressed when we conceal things.

TWO WAYS COMPARED
The Scriptures suggest a different approach. Let us take time to ponder the following text.

Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed.
Faithful are the wounds of a friend,
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.

Proverbs 27:5-6

1. Try “open rebuke”

Rebuke does not need to be expressed with evil intention. It does not have to be malicious in any way. “Open rebuke” is compared to “love carefully conceal”. The former is considered the better of the two.

2. A true friend

a) Open rebuke may be felt as “wounds”.

b) But faithfulness in a friend would cause the person to deal with the problems openly.

3. An enemy

a) He may disguise himself as a friend.

b) He offers “kisses” in contrast to “open rebuke”.

c) But he may only be deceiving you in the long run.

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie

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