judge vs reproof

[coheir]

I find in most cases where reproof is used the majority of people call it judgement.

Anyone know why these two words confuse so many

 

reproof is informing a person of wrong doing without a sentence of punishment

 

judge is gathering facts of wrong doing And pronounce a sentence fot it.

 

 

judge

 [ juj ]   

1. a senior official in court of law: a high-ranking court officer, formerly a lawyer, who supervises court trials, instructs juries, and pronounces sentence

 

 

re·proof

 [ ri prf ]   

1. censure: the act of criticizing somebody for having done something wrong, or something said as a rebuke

 

[LadyKay]

Because people get all offended when someone points out to them something they are doing that is wrong. So instead of taking a look at what they are doing and considering that maybe it is wrong. They turn it around on the person who is pointing it out to them because it is easier to point the finger at someone else then to to exam your own life. I myself could be consider a bit (how should I say) "liberal" in my views about some topics. Not "liberal" in a political way. I am not a liberal. But "liberal" in my choice of music, books, movies, tv shows, and social views. I know that some people would question my choice in movies for example. But I am alright with it and have no issue if a fellow Christian comes up to me and questions as to why I think it is okay for me to watch such and such movie. I will gladly tell them why I think it is okay and listen to their reason for it not being okay and consider their point of view. I do though have a problem with people who say for example" you can not be a Christian and listen to such music or watch such a movie or read a certain book." That statement said in that way is to me passing judgment.  So perhaps also it is all in the way that a person says it.

[coheir]

Because people get all offended when someone points out to them something they are doing that is wrong. So instead of taking a look at what they are doing and considering that maybe it is wrong. They turn it around on the person who is pointing it out to them because it is easier to point the finger at someone else then to to exam your own life. I myself could be consider a bit (how should I say) "liberal" in my views about some topics. Not "liberal" in a political way. I am not a liberal. But "liberal" in my choice of music, books, movies, tv shows, and social views. I know that some people would question my choice in movies for example. But I am alright with it and have no issue if a fellow Christian comes up to me and questions as to why I think it is okay for me to watch such and such movie. I will gladly tell them why I think it is okay and listen to their reason for it not being okay and consider their point of view. I do though have a problem with people who say for example" you can not be a Christian and listen to such music or watch such a movie or read a certain book." That statement said in that way is to me passing judgment.  So perhaps also it is all in the way that a person says it.

It just seems everyone uses the phrase "don't judge me ' and in most cases its reproof they are calling judgement.

You make a good point about how something is said determines how it is taken.

I had not considered myself liberal before. After your post I guess I too am in some ways liberal.

Thanks LK

[OneLight]

The term is correct, since people have to judge something, be it an action or wording, in order to reprove another person.  I see the problem being the phrase is used as an escape for being corrected.  Could it be pride in the one who is facing the reproof?

[FreeinChrist]

 

I find in most cases where reproof is used the majority of people call it judgement.

Anyone know why these two words confuse so many

 

reproof is informing a person of wrong doing without a sentence of punishment

 

judge is gathering facts of wrong doing And pronounce a sentence fot it.

 

 

judge

 [ juj ]   

1. a senior official in court of law: a high-ranking court officer, formerly a lawyer, who supervises court trials, instructs juries, and pronounces sentence

 

 

re·proof

 [ ri prf ]   

1. censure: the act of criticizing somebody for having done something wrong, or something said as a rebuke

 

 

 

The term is correct, since people have to judge something, be it an action or wording, in order to reprove another person.  I see the problem being the phrase is used as an escape for being corrected.  Could it be pride in the one who is facing the reproof?

 

 

I have to agree with OneLight on this issue.  But I do think that the reproof you are speaking of, is done by the Power of the Spirit; Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.  John 7:24   But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.  I Corinthians 2:15

 

IMPO a spiritual man will never judge another believer for weakness of sin in the flesh (James 2:8-13).  But the Holy Spirit can't tolerate when someone throws a stumblingblock or occasion to fall in front of a believer.  Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock, or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.  Romans 14:13

[coheir]

The term is correct, since people have to judge something, be it an action or wording, in order to reprove another person.  I see the problem being the phrase is used as an escape for being corrected.  Could it be pride in the one who is facing the reproof?

Good point one I missed. And I do think pride comes into play. The word reproof is fading out of use while the use of the word judge has became much more prevalent.

[OneLight]

 

The term is correct, since people have to judge something, be it an action or wording, in order to reprove another person.  I see the problem being the phrase is used as an escape for being corrected.  Could it be pride in the one who is facing the reproof?

Good point one I missed. And I do think pride comes into play. The word reproof is fading out of use while the use of the word judge has became much more prevalent.

 

 

The reason is rather easy to see.  Scripture can be shown where we are advised not to judge, so people hide behind this when they are in the wrong.  Yet, every book of the bible shows judgment/warning of the brethren and is to be used as an example.  This would not be necessary if there was no wrong doing, or the possibility of wrong doing.

 

What I see too often are those who want to be left alone in their misunderstanding of scripture or rebellious nature.  They also use the plank/speck as a defense.  The point is, if a person is steadfast in their ways, they will not be changed unless the change comes from the Lord.  All we can do is speak the truth in love.

[Willa]

I have been a christian for 55 years. In all that time, not counting my husband, I have only been reproved twice. But I have been judged very often. The people who judged were not only condemning, even when doing so gently, they were also dead wrong when I prayed about it. The other two were speaking humbly and with genuine concern. They pleaded with me to reconsider my actions. The key is love. They really cared about me. (This is also true of my husband, but I never really liked it when he told me because God had already told me and I didn't like it the first time.) In fact, the other situations were things I already knew but at that time I was unable to deal with it because God needed to heal some areas of my life. But I was able to receive it because of the love which motivated them.

Most of those who judged me were, in fact, self righteous and blind to their own sin which was sometimes the very thing they condemned me for. Log in the eye syndrome. I told them they were probably right but God was not presently dealing with that in my life. I usually repent quickly when God shows me something. One pastor gently told me that there was something wrong with my life because of my taste in music; even classical music was evil unless it was Bach or hymns. He proceded to tell me various things that he guessed were wrong with me, all of which were totally rediculous. I tried to point out how untrue this was by kindly and respectfully pleading and reasoning with him. He could not be reasoned with but dug in his heals. Another person criticised me for pointing my physical finger at someone while talking to them. That my be bad manners but it was not a sin leading to death, and they did so with a very superior attitude. The list goes on. Jesus also bore unrighteous accusations. And we are told it is better to be accused of something falsely than if it were true.

We should be able to judge good from evil if we are acquainted with Scripture. Jesus speak about this fairly often, that we will someday judge even the angels. And 1 Cor. 13 tells us that without love we are just a clanging symbol or a noisy gong. Love and humility are everything when reproving someone. You can't find that in the dictionary. It is in the Bible.

[Floatingaxe]

'Reproof' in scripture is in reference to correction. It requires Godly judgment to be able to do so.

[coheir]

I have been a christian for 55 years. In all that time, not counting my husband, I have only been reproved twice. But I have been judged very often. The people who judged were not only condemning, even when doing so gently, they were also dead wrong when I prayed about it. The other two were speaking humbly and with genuine concern. They pleaded with me to reconsider my actions. The key is love. They really cared about me. (This is also true of my husband, but I never really liked it when he told me because God had already told me and I didn't like it the first time.) In fact, the other situations were things I already knew but at that time I was unable to deal with it because God needed to heal some areas of my life. But I was able to receive it because of the love which motivated them.

Most of those who judged me were, in fact, self righteous and blind to their own sin which was sometimes the very thing they condemned me for. Log in the eye syndrome. I told them they were probably right but God was not presently dealing with that in my life. I usually repent quickly when God shows me something. One pastor gently told me that there was something wrong with my life because of my taste in music; even classical music was evil unless it was Bach or hymns. He proceded to tell me various things that he guessed were wrong with me, all of which were totally rediculous. I tried to point out how untrue this was by kindly and respectfully pleading and reasoning with him. He could not be reasoned with but dug in his heals. Another person criticised me for pointing my physical finger at someone while talking to them. That my be bad manners but it was not a sin leading to death, and they did so with a very superior attitude. The list goes on. Jesus also bore unrighteous accusations. And we are told it is better to be accused of something falsely than if it were true.

We should be able to judge good from evil if we are acquainted with Scripture. Jesus speak about this fairly often, that we will someday judge even the angels. And 1 Cor. 13 tells us that without love we are just a clanging symbol or a noisy gong. Love and humility are everything when reproving someone. You can't find that in the dictionary. It is in the Bible.

Willamina, I like your post (and agree with it) it shows what happens most times. I agree about the finger pointing not a sin but it is covered in scripture

Isa 58:9

Then shalt thou call, and the LORD shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity;