Rebuke
Ooh-ooh, love hurts
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Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.
Proverbs 28:23 (ESV)
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Sometimes the truth hurts.
I know for me, I have trouble receiving rebuke whenever it comes.
That’s because of my stubborn pride, hating to ever be wrong. So if rebuke comes at me from a trusted source, then I often have to chew on that rebuke for a few days before agreeing with them that, yes, in fact, I needed the figurative kick in the pants.
The truth is better than lies.
Flattering with your tongue gives me the image of some sort of slimy snake-oil salesman.
All greasy and gross.
Unfortunately, flattery doesn’t usually come from such an obvious looking source. Often it’s disguised as helpful advice or constructive criticism.
Don’t get me wrong, constructive criticism does exist, but I really only care about it if it comes from one of my trusted sources. Otherwise I’m going to ignore it …
… Which is better for my own sanity.
As for the promise of this proverb:
Whenever someone I trust rebukes me, and even if it’s painful, I find myself growing in respect & love for them. Because they were brave enough, and loving enough, to point out a problem and help me become a better person.
Speaking the truth in love … even if it hurts.
— Ricky Ketchum
Copyright © 2025 by Ricky Ketchum. All rights reserved. Unauthorized duplication prohibited.
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