WORD FOR THE WISE: PROVERBS

 PROVERBS 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

Christian relationships should be marked by the favor of Grace. But grace is distinctly grounded in truth, not lies. Grace will be experienced more through rebuke and loving correction rather than flattery and exaggeration. A willingness to be honest with  one another establishes the most solid and meaningful relationships. Does not Christ, through the gospel and faithful exhortation of His word correct us? Indeed all scripture is profitable to this end! (2Tim 3:16) Therefore, we should never trade rebuke for flattery. We should be happy to recieve the faithful rebuke of Christ by His word, for our salvation, sanctification, and maturity, since this is the premier means by which He dispenses His grace toward us. And we should be careful that our relationships with others are founded upon truth, not withholding correction when necessary.