September 5, 2026 Morning Devotional
Morning Devotion: Read Proverbs
Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
Proverbs 19:25 Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.
Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hateth those that are afflicted by it; and a flattering mouth worketh ruin.
The flatterer seems to be pleasing for the time being allowing sin and ruin to take place all the while giving pleasant words. He may give praise rather than true help.
The person who is of real value is the one who will give rebuke in order to bring about true change, change toward righteousness rather than allowing continued destruction.
To rebuke one must do so with good intention enveloped by love desiring the best for the other man.
To rebuke another one must have good judgment and good understanding of the circumstances possessing with in himself true righteousness. In other words he must judge with righteous judgment which comes from God’s word. God’s word is the key to righteousness.
In our world today, with the soft philosophies of being inoffensive and intolerant people can’t handle true rebuke.
Timothy was instructed to rebuke according to the word of God, flattery was out of the picture.
2Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
When you are rebuked ask yourself if the things being said are true. Ask yourself if those things being said are for your benefit. Ask yourself if those things being said can help you change for the better. If the answers are yes, the one giving you rebuke should find favour in your eyes.
Proverbs 28:23 He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.
When Jesus rebuked, it was always for the benefit of the person being rebuked.
The bible is replete with rebuke, it is also replete with instruction for change. Would you read God’s word? Would you listen to His loving rebuke?
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
1John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
The choice is still yours,
Pastor Cook
