Do you correct others in truth and kindness?


Proverbs 3:3-4--I like this passage in Proverbs. I like it because truth can be spoken in kindness.

There are a lot of proverbs that talk about rebukes being beneficial. Rebukes that come from truth can indeed be helpful. However, the recipient must oftentimes pick through the hurt, offense, or rejection to find it.

A correction done in kindness--without diluting the truth--can go a long way with being received.


The giver of correction who has a clear understanding of truth can guide the receiver into practical ways of understanding how to change.

Perhaps it's the teacher in me. I'm always looking for ways to convey a message that folks will understand. To point others to GOD and step back to let the Holy Spirit take over.

Are there times when rebukes are necessary? Absolutely! A child running into a busy street needs a rebuke, fast. An adult spiritually running into immediate danger probably needs a rebuke. And sometimes, just "ripping off the bandage" hurts less in the long run.

But, if we have a reputation of always ripping off bandages and spouting rebukes, eventually people may turn in the other direction when they see us. We run the risk of them never receiving truth from us.

The key for me is to not use rebukes as a quick way to convey correction because I don't want to take the time to measure what it needed in a situation. It takes effort to find the common ground to begin and then hold the hand of the person as you take them through a difficult word. It's the kind way.

I have to say, I like the idea of having favor with GOD and human-types. You?

May we employ kindness and truth in correction, my friends.

Proverbs 3:3-4--Let kindness and truth never leave you—bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will gain favor and a good name in the eyes of God and man. Tree of Life Bible Society Tree of Life Version - TLV #tlvbible #tlvproverbs

[WATCH MONDAY through FRIDAY Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie dig a little deeper with the book of Proverbs. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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