Reproof brings a wrong into the light; instruction helps someone understand the right way forward. Scripture teaches us how to receive both and how to offer them with care. It also distinguishes a sin that needs repentance, teaching that needs correction, a difference that calls for patience, and a matter requiring the church’s judgment.
Welcome the truth that helps you grow
Give correction a serious hearing because you still have wisdom to gain. In Proverbs 9:7–12, the wise person welcomes reproof and becomes wiser through instruction; the scorner rejects it. These sayings stand between Wisdom’s invitation to the way of understanding and Folly’s invitation to a destructive pleasure. Your response to correction belongs to that choice of direction. Ask what is true in what you have heard and what obedience would require of you. Proverbs 15:31–33 connects this listening with understanding, reverence for the LORD, and humility before honor.
Psalm 141:3–5 gives words to a heart willing to be helped. The psalmist asks God to guard his mouth and keep his heart from joining in evil. In that setting he welcomes the righteous person’s reproof as kindness and compares it to excellent oil upon his head. He values help that keeps him faithful more than the attractive food of those doing wrong. Pray for that willingness: let truthful correction serve the good you are asking God to work in your life.
Listen patiently enough to understand the correction. James 1:19–21 calls believers to be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, and meek in receiving the word. The reason matters: human anger does not produce God’s righteousness. James then compares hearing without doing to looking in a mirror and immediately forgetting what it showed (James 1:22–25). A teachable response therefore continues beyond the conversation. Consider the instruction, examine the conduct it exposes, and put the truth into practice.
Teachability includes an honest explanation when a charge is mistaken. In Acts 11:1–18, believers criticize Peter for entering the home of uncircumcised people and eating with them. He recounts the events in order: God’s instruction, the accompanying witnesses, the Gentiles receiving the Holy Ghost, and Jesus’ promise about that gift. His hearers then praise God for granting repentance to the Gentiles. Peter takes their concern seriously, and they change their conclusion when they understand what God has done. Receive questions openly, give truthful reasons, and be ready for the correction to reach either person. This particular revelation belongs to the account of the gospel reaching Gentiles; a personal claim of guidance does not acquire Peter’s authority simply by being asserted.
Further study: NET Bible translators
Answer true correction with repentance and faithful action
When correction exposes your sin, acknowledge it plainly before God. In 2 Samuel 12:1–13, Nathan’s account of a rich man taking a poor man’s treasured lamb draws David’s condemnation. Nathan then identifies David himself as the offender and names what he has done: taking Uriah’s wife and arranging Uriah’s death. David answers, “I have sinned against the LORD.” His position as king does not excuse him. The narrative calls the reader to recognize the wrong when God’s word exposes it, including when that recognition overturns a judgment previously directed at someone else.
Confession should lead to a changed course. Proverbs 28:13 contrasts covering sins with confessing and forsaking them. Second Corinthians 7:8–11 explains this movement in a congregation: Paul rejoices because his painful letter led to repentance. He points to their earnest concern, desire to put the matter right, and renewed zeal. The pain itself is not his achievement. Receive correction by turning toward the good it requires, with your words and subsequent conduct agreeing.
Where wrongdoing has harmed others, take the required repair seriously. Nehemiah 5:1–13 records the cries of families burdened by debt and bondage. Nehemiah listens, considers the matter, confronts the nobles, and calls them to fear God, stop the exactions, and restore property and what they have exacted. They promise to do so, and the account says they fulfill their promise. The particular debt arrangements belong to Judah’s circumstances, but the change is concrete: the people who have benefited from wrong act to undo it. Receiving correction includes addressing the wrong itself and making the repair that faithfulness requires.
Turn to God with hope in his mercy. First John 1:5–2:2 calls believers to walk in the light, confess sin, and trust God’s faithfulness to forgive and cleanse. Jesus Christ the righteous is their advocate with the Father and the one whose sacrifice deals with sin. This gives you a reason to be truthful rather than conceal what you have done. Forgiveness also belongs with accepting the consequences that remain: in 2 Samuel 12:13–25, Nathan announces that David’s sin is put away, yet the judgment on his household still unfolds. That particular judgment is part of David’s story, not a formula for predicting what will happen after another person repents.
Keep learning under God’s care even when the process is painful. Hebrews 12:1–13 addresses people called to endure while looking to Jesus. It recalls Proverbs 3:11–12 and explains the Lord’s discipline as the training of children he loves, directed toward sharing his holiness and bearing the peaceful fruit of righteousness. The passage gives a reason to persevere and be trained. It does not identify every hardship as punishment for a particular sin or make a human critic’s judgment equal to God’s. Welcome what God teaches and continue toward the faithful life his training seeks.
Examine yourself and understand what needs correction
Bring your own life under the truth you are about to speak. In Matthew 7:1–5, Jesus warns that the measure used to judge another will be used for the one judging. He pictures a person noticing a small speck—the KJV’s “mote”—in a brother’s eye while ignoring a beam of timber in his own. The absurdity exposes hypocrisy. Jesus’ instruction is to remove the beam first, so that the brother’s eye can be helped with clear sight. Acknowledge and turn from your own wrongdoing; approach the other person as someone who also needs mercy and correction.
Understand the facts before identifying a fault. Proverbs 18:13 calls answering before hearing foolish, and Proverbs 18:17 observes that the first account may sound right until another person examines it. The wise ear seeks knowledge (Proverbs 18:15). Give the person room to explain, distinguish what you know from what you have assumed, and consider the relevant Scripture carefully. That patient work serves truthful correction, especially when your first impression proves incomplete.
Some differences call for welcome and forbearance. Romans 14:1–12 addresses believers who differ about eating and observing days. Paul tells them to receive one another because God has received them, and to remember that each belongs to the Lord who died and rose for them. Both the one who eats and the one who abstains can give thanks to him. These practices, in the circumstances Paul addresses, are not grounds for treating another believer as disobedient merely because he differs from you. Honor the Lord together while allowing the room this passage gives.
That room comes with responsibility for another person’s good. Romans 14:13–23 calls believers to pursue peace and build one another up, to avoid leading a brother into sin, and to act with a clear conscience before God. Romans 15:1–7 directs the strong to bear with the weak and receive one another as Christ received them. Paul can affirm that food is clean while asking someone to forgo it for another’s sake. Learn to distinguish a permitted difference from a sinful act or a false claim about the gospel. The response should fit what the matter actually is.
Further study: Mary Hinkle Shore · NET Bible translators
Help the person recover with gentleness and continuing care
Make restoration the purpose of your correction. Galatians 6:1 tells those who are spiritual to restore someone overtaken in a fault with meekness, while watching themselves lest they also be tempted. The previous passage has described life by the Spirit through love, patience, and meekness, and has rejected provoking and envying one another (Galatians 5:13–26). Spiritual maturity is therefore shown in the way you help. Name the wrong clearly and guide the person toward obedience with the character the Spirit produces.
Offer help that continues beyond naming the fault. Galatians 6:2–5 joins bearing one another’s burdens with examining one’s own work. Helping another does not make you superior, and receiving help does not remove your own responsibility before God. The closing appeal to keep doing good gives this care endurance (Galatians 6:9–10). Stay willing to instruct, encourage, and support the person as he learns to walk rightly, while keeping your own conduct open to examination.
Prepare to help through goodness and knowledge. In Romans 15:14–16, Paul expresses confidence that the believers can admonish one another because they are filled with these qualities, even as he explains his own particular ministry. Mutual instruction has a place among the congregation’s responsibilities. Colossians 3:12–17 joins teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs as Christ’s word dwells richly among them. This instruction belongs to a thankful people practicing compassion, humility, forgiveness, and love. Learn the truth you intend to share and cultivate the character that helps you serve another person with it.
Attend to the person’s actual need. First Thessalonians 5:12–15 honors those who labor in admonition and tells the congregation to warn the disorderly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, and be patient with everyone. The KJV’s “feebleminded” here describes the fainthearted who need encouragement. These are distinguishable forms of care: an appeal to turn from wrongdoing, encouragement for someone losing heart, and support for weakness. Learn what the person is facing so that your response offers the help the passage calls for.
Treat the person with the respect of family. First Timothy 5:1–2 directs Timothy to appeal to an older man as a father, to younger men as brothers, to older women as mothers, and to younger women as sisters, with purity. The contrast with younger men shows that “elder” here concerns age. The instruction regulates his manner of appeal; it does not remove the need for truthful teaching. Speak with the regard and purity appropriate to people who belong to God’s household.
Faithful concern sometimes requires words that are painful to hear. Proverbs 27:5–6 values expressed rebuke above love left hidden and a friend’s faithful wounds above an enemy’s kisses. The contrast asks you to value the good the speech serves, rather than judge it only by how pleasant it feels. Proverbs 25:11–12 adds that both the fitting word and the wise reprover received by a listening ear are precious. Be that kind of helper: speak truth with judgment and care, so the person can understand it and benefit from it.
Further study: Amy L. B. Peeler · Crystal Hall · NET Bible translators · NET Bible translators · NET Bible translators · Steven J. Cole
Speak directly with the aim of gaining your brother
Let love move you to an honest conversation. Leviticus 19:15–18 places reproof beside commands for fair judgment, against tale-bearing, hatred, and revenge, and for loving a neighbor as oneself. This is instruction to Israel within its covenant law. Its immediate arrangement shows that bringing wrong into the open can belong to love: the neighbor is to be addressed truthfully while resentment and retaliation are refused. Jesus gives his disciples a similarly direct responsibility in Matthew 18:15: when a brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between the two of you.
Keep the stated purpose in view: “thou hast gained thy brother” (Matthew 18:15). The conversation seeks a person’s return, not an audience’s verdict in your favor. Immediately before this instruction, Jesus describes the joy of finding a sheep that wandered and the Father’s concern that none of the little ones perish (Matthew 18:10–14). Explain the particular wrong, make the truthful appeal, and listen to the answer. A brother who hears you is someone to welcome, not someone over whom to keep claiming victory.
When the person will not listen, Matthew 18:16–20 describes taking one or two more people so that the matter is established by witnesses, then telling the church if refusal continues. The circle widens with reason and accountability. Jesus gives the gathered community a serious responsibility and assures disciples gathered in his name of his presence. Act prayerfully under his teaching, seeking a faithful judgment. This instruction addresses sin among disciples; other passages also address public error and public accountability, so every kind of correction should be understood in its own setting.
Be ready to forgive when the person turns. Luke 17:3–4 puts rebuke and forgiveness in the same instruction and requires forgiveness even when a brother returns repeatedly saying that he repents. Matthew 18:21–35 deepens the reason through a servant forgiven an enormous debt who then seizes a fellow servant over a much smaller one. His refusal of mercy contradicts the mercy he has received. Correction should help people return to a life shaped by God’s mercy, and your own response must be shaped by that mercy as well.
Further study: Elisabeth Johnson · Eric Barreto · NET Bible translators
Correct error with sound teaching and patient courage
Use Scripture to explain what is true and how to live by it. Second Timothy 3:14–17 reminds Timothy that the Scriptures lead to salvation through faith in Christ and are useful for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. The purpose is a servant of God equipped for good works. The following charge joins reproof and rebuke with exhortation, patience, and teaching (2 Timothy 4:1–5). When you correct, help the person understand the passage and the good response it requires. The truth needs to be taught, received, and practiced.
Take doctrinal error seriously while remaining patient with the person. Second Timothy 2:14–18 identifies teachers who say the resurrection has already happened and thereby overturn some people’s faith. Later in the same instruction, the Lord’s servant is to avoid quarrels, be able to teach, endure patiently, and correct opponents with meekness (2 Timothy 2:22–26). The hope is that God grants repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth and escape from the devil’s snare. Clear disagreement and gentle instruction belong together. You are responsible to teach faithfully; the person’s turning depends on God, not on your power to force agreement.
A person who already teaches may still need fuller understanding. Acts 18:24–28 praises Apollos’s knowledge of Scripture and earnest teaching while noting that he knows only John’s baptism. Aquila and Priscilla receive him and explain God’s way more accurately. The account then follows his useful ministry in Achaia, where he demonstrates from Scripture that Jesus is the Christ. Their instruction helps develop someone whose existing gifts are recognized. Approach an incomplete understanding with enough care to explain what is missing and help the person grow; the narrative does not treat every need for further teaching as obstinate false teaching.
Some errors require correction where their effect has become public. In Galatians 2:11–14, Peter withdraws from eating with Gentiles, and others, including Barnabas, follow him. Paul challenges him before them all because the conduct is inconsistent with the truth of the gospel and pressures Gentiles to live as Jews. The explanation in Galatians 2:15–21 centers on justification through Christ rather than works of the law. Paul’s public response belongs to this public damage to gospel fellowship. It shows why the setting and effect of an error matter; it does not turn every ordinary disagreement into a public confrontation.
Those entrusted with the church’s teaching have a particular responsibility to protect it. Titus 1:5–11 requires an elder to hold firmly to the faithful word, encourage through sound doctrine, and answer those who contradict it. Deceivers are upsetting households and teaching for dishonest gain. Titus 1:13–16 therefore calls for a sharp rebuke with a stated purpose: that they may become sound in the faith. Seriousness serves truth and recovery. The same description requires the overseer to be self-controlled, free from quick anger, and faithful in conduct (Titus 1:7–9). Firm correction belongs within that character.
Further study: Matt Skinner · Mary Hinkle Shore
Give serious wrongdoing the church’s faithful attention
Recognize when a matter has become a responsibility of the gathered church. Matthew 18:17 speaks of continued refusal even to hear the church and a resulting change in how the person is regarded. First Corinthians 5:1–5 addresses a man living with his father’s wife and a congregation proud when it should mourn. Paul directs the assembled believers to remove him, with his eventual salvation in view. This is a formal communal judgment concerning serious wrongdoing, distinct from the ordinary teaching and encouragement believers give one another.
The congregation’s faithfulness also matters. In 1 Corinthians 5:6–8, a little leaven spreading through dough explains how tolerated evil affects the whole body. Paul joins the call to remove it with Christ our Passover being sacrificed and with the life of sincerity and truth that follows. He then clarifies the boundary of his instruction: believers cannot avoid all immoral people in the world; the concern is someone called a brother whose conduct contradicts that profession (1 Corinthians 5:9–13). The church is to take responsibility for its own fellowship before God.
Apply accountability with evidence and without favoritism. First Timothy 5:17–21 first requires honor for elders who serve well, then sets an evidentiary requirement for accusations against an elder and directs public reproof of those who sin. Timothy must act impartially. Honor and accountability are therefore joined in the very passage addressing leaders. The faithful response is careful judgment that neither condemns on an unsupported charge nor excuses wrong because the person holds an office.
Even a necessary withdrawal must serve a faithful purpose. Second Thessalonians 3:6–15 concerns people unwilling to work who have become busybodies. Paul instructs them to work quietly and describes a community response to refusal, yet commands the believers to admonish the person as a brother rather than count him an enemy. Titus 3:9–11 likewise directs Titus to warn a divisive person and then refuse continued engagement after a first and second admonition. The KJV’s “heretick” here concerns a person causing division in the setting of fruitless controversies. These texts call for real limits when correction is persistently rejected, with conduct still governed by the gentleness and mercy remembered in Titus 3:1–8.
Further study: Eric Barreto · NET Bible translators
Welcome restoration and keep helping one another persevere
When correction has accomplished its purpose, give forgiveness and comfort a visible place. In 2 Corinthians 2:5–11, Paul says that the punishment inflicted by the many is sufficient and urges them to forgive, comfort, and confirm their love toward the person. Otherwise he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow, and Satan may gain an advantage. Paul has already explained that his painful letter came from love and tears (2 Corinthians 2:1–4). A restored relationship requires the community’s willing response as well as the offender’s. Receive the person with the mercy you have been seeking to encourage.
Make mutual help a steady part of life together. Hebrews 3:7–19 recalls Israel’s wilderness unbelief and tells Christians to exhort one another daily so that sin’s deceit does not harden their hearts. Its concern is continued faithfulness to the living God. Correction therefore belongs within ongoing attention, encouragement, and listening among people who need one another’s help to persevere. Continue to receive that help yourself as you give it.
Seek growth toward Christ as you help one another. Ephesians 4:11–16 describes Christ giving ministers to equip his people and build up his body toward maturity. The purpose includes becoming steady enough to resist deceptive teaching. Speaking the truth in love belongs to this growth into Christ, the head, from whom the whole body receives its life and builds itself up in love. Correction serves that shared maturity: clearer understanding, faithful conduct, and stronger care for one another under the Lord.
Remember the lasting good at stake. James 5:19–20 describes someone wandering from the truth and another person turning him back; this rescue saves a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins. The passage brings the letter’s calls to prayer, confession, and faithful action to a close. It gives you a reason to care enough to speak and to keep seeking the person’s return. Receive truth with humility, respond with repentance where needed, and offer correction with the hope that another person will live faithfully before God.
Further study: NET Bible translators
Read the passages
Scripture in context
41 contextual selections for this subject, including the passages cited above and further related reading. Every selected range is reproduced in full from the KJV. Context notes identify the setting and kind of evidence.
Israelite covenant law 1 selections
Leviticus 19:15–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: These neighbor commands within Israel’s holiness legislation combine just judgment, rejection of tale-bearing, reproof, freedom from vengeance, and love.
19:15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.
19:16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour: I am the LORD.
19:17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.
19:18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.
Prophetic rebuke and royal narrative 1 selections
2 Samuel 12:1–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: Nathan’s commissioned rebuke, David’s confession, the announced consequences, the child’s death, and the birth of Solomon are preserved as a connected narrative.
12:1 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.
12:2 The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:
12:3 But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter.
12:4 And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him.
12:5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die:
12:6 And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.
12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
12:8 And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things.
12:9 Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon.
12:10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife.
12:11 Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun.
12:12 For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.
12:13 And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.
12:14 Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
12:15 And Nathan departed unto his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it was very sick.
12:16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth.
12:17 And the elders of his house arose, and went to him, to raise him up from the earth: but he would not, neither did he eat bread with them.
12:18 And it came to pass on the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David feared to tell him that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice: how will he then vex himself, if we tell him that the child is dead?
12:19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead.
12:20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
12:21 Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread.
12:22 And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
12:23 But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.
12:24 And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay with her: and she bare a son, and he called his name Solomon: and the LORD loved him.
12:25 And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet; and he called his name Jedidiah, because of the LORD.
Postexilic communal narrative 1 selections
Nehemiah 5:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The people’s debt crisis is heard, the nobles are confronted, restoration is promised under oath, and the promise is carried out.
5:1 And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
5:2 For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
5:3 Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
5:4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
5:5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
5:6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
5:7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.
5:9 Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
5:10 I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
5:11 Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
5:12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
5:13 Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.
Prayer poetry 1 selections
Psalms 141:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: The whole prayer asks for guarded speech, a heart kept from evil, righteous reproof, and deliverance from hostile traps.
141:1 LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee.
141:2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
141:3 Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.
141:4 Incline not my heart to any evil thing, to practise wicked works with men that work iniquity: and let me not eat of their dainties.
141:5 Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.
141:6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words; for they are sweet.
141:7 Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, as when one cutteth and cleaveth wood upon the earth.
141:8 But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.
141:9 Keep me from the snares which they have laid for me, and the gins of the workers of iniquity.
141:10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, whilst that I withal escape.
Wisdom instruction 1 selections
Proverbs 3:1–12 KJV · In this guide
Context: A father’s appeals join remembered instruction, trust, reverence, generosity, and reception of the LORD’s loving discipline.
3:1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
3:2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3:3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
3:4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
3:5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
3:8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
3:9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Wisdom poetry and instruction 1 selections
Proverbs 9:1–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: Wisdom and Folly offer rival invitations; the central instruction describes the response to reproof and grounds wisdom in fear of the LORD.
9:1 Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
9:2 She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
9:3 She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
9:4 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
9:5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
9:6 Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
9:7 He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
9:8 Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
9:11 For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
9:12 If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
9:13 A foolish woman is clamorous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
9:14 For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
9:15 To call passengers who go right on their ways:
9:16 Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
9:17 Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
9:18 But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
Wisdom sayings 4 selections
Proverbs 15:28–33 KJV · In this guide
Context: The closing complete sayings concern thoughtful answers, prayer, good news, life-giving reproof, and humility. They are an anthology, not a continuous story.
15:28 The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things.
15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.
15:30 The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat.
15:31 The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise.
15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.
15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.
Proverbs 18:13–17 KJV · In this guide
Context: Complete adjacent sayings include hearing before answering, seeking knowledge, and examination of an initially convincing case. The intervening sayings retain their distinct subjects.
18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.
18:14 The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?
18:15 The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge.
18:16 A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.
18:17 He that is first in his own cause seemeth just; but his neighbour cometh and searcheth him.
Proverbs 27:5–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Complete sayings contrast open rebuke and hidden love, wounds and kisses, and describe the value of counsel and dependable friendship.
27:5 Open rebuke is better than secret love.
27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.
27:7 The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.
27:8 As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
27:9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
27:10 Thine own friend, and thy father’s friend, forsake not; neither go into thy brother’s house in the day of thy calamity: for better is a neighbour that is near than a brother far off.
Proverbs 28:13–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: Two complete sayings contrast concealment with confession and forsaking, then reverence with a hardened heart.
Wisdom comparisons 1 selections
Proverbs 25:11–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: Three complete comparisons praise fitting speech, wise reproof received by a hearing ear, and a faithful messenger.
25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
25:12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.
25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Jesus’ teaching 1 selections
Matthew 7:1–6 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus addresses judgment, the measure used, the hypocritical helper, and discernment about how holy things are received.
7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
Jesus’ teaching and parable 2 selections
Matthew 18:10–14 KJV · In this guide
Context: The warning against despising little ones leads into the wandering sheep and the Father’s concern for each one.
18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
18:11 For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.
18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
18:13 And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray.
18:14 Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:21–35 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter’s forgiveness question introduces the parable of forgiven debt, merciless treatment of a fellow servant, and the master’s judgment.
18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
18:25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
18:26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
18:27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
18:28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
18:29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
18:30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
18:33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
18:34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
18:35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Jesus’ communal instruction 1 selections
Matthew 18:15–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete instruction moves from private reproof to witnesses and church judgment, with binding and loosing, shared prayer, and Jesus’ presence.
18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Jesus’ instruction 1 selections
Luke 17:1–4 KJV · In this guide
Context: Jesus warns against causing little ones to stumble and directly joins watchfulness, reproof, repentance, and repeated forgiveness.
17:1 Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.
17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
17:4 And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.
Apostolic narrative 1 selections
Acts 11:1–18 KJV · In this guide
Context: Peter answers criticism of his Gentile table fellowship by recounting the events, witnesses, the Spirit’s gift, and Jesus’ promise; the hearers glorify God.
11:1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judæa heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
11:2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
11:3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
11:4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
11:6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
11:7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
11:8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
11:9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
11:10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
11:11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cæsarea unto me.
11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
11:13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
11:14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
11:15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
11:16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
11:17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Apostolic-era narrative 1 selections
Acts 18:24–28 KJV · In this guide
Context: The complete Apollos episode recognizes his gifts, the limit of his instruction, further explanation by Aquila and Priscilla, and subsequent service.
18:24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
18:25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
18:27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
18:28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Christian communal instruction 6 selections
Romans 14:1–15:7 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul treats food, days, lordship, conscience, stumbling, edification, and reception of one another, culminating in Christ’s example.
14:1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
14:2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
14:3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
14:5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
14:7 For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
14:8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
14:9 For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
14:13 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.
14:14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
14:16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
14:18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
14:20 For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
14:21 It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
14:22 Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
14:23 And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
15:1 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
15:2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
15:3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
15:5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
15:6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
Galatians 6:1–10 KJV · In this guide
Context: Restoration and self-watchfulness lead into mutual burdens, personal examination, support of teachers, sowing and reaping, and perseverance in good.
6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
6:5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
6:7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
6:9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Ephesians 4:7–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Christ’s gifts to the body lead into equipping ministry, shared maturity, stability against deceptive teaching, and growth through truthful love under Christ the head.
4:7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
1 Thessalonians 5:12–24 KJV · In this guide
Context: Respect for those who labor in admonition is followed by differentiated care, patience, prayer, testing, and confidence in God’s sanctifying faithfulness.
5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
5:13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
5:16 Rejoice evermore.
5:17 Pray without ceasing.
5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
James 5:13–20 KJV · In this guide
Context: Prayer, care for the sick, confession, and Elijah’s prayer example lead into the closing instruction about recovering someone who wanders from truth.
5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
5:14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
5:15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
5:17 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.
5:18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
5:19 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;
5:20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
Apostolic pastoral explanation 2 selections
Romans 15:14–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul affirms the congregation’s goodness, knowledge, and capacity for mutual admonition, then explains the distinctive grace and scope of his own ministry.
15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
15:15 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
15:16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
15:17 I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
15:19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
15:20 Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
15:21 But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
2 Corinthians 7:2–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul recounts his affection, Titus’s report, the response to a painful letter, and the resulting comfort and confidence.
7:2 Receive us; we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.
7:3 I speak not this to condemn you: for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you.
7:4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
7:5 For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
7:6 Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;
7:7 And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.
7:8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
7:9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
7:11 For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter.
7:12 Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.
7:13 Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.
7:14 For if I have boasted any thing to him of you, I am not ashamed; but as we spake all things to you in truth, even so our boasting, which I made before Titus, is found a truth.
7:15 And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, whilst he remembereth the obedience of you all, how with fear and trembling ye received him.
7:16 I rejoice therefore that I have confidence in you in all things.
Apostolic church-discipline instruction 1 selections
1 Corinthians 5:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The entire chapter addresses the reported sexual sin, congregational pride, assembled removal, Passover imagery, and the boundary between insiders and outsiders.
5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.
5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.
5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
5:9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
5:10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
Apostolic pastoral instruction 1 selections
2 Corinthians 1:23–2:11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul explains the delayed visit and painful letter through loving concern, then urges forgiveness, comfort, and reaffirmed love toward an unnamed offender.
1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.
1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
2:1 But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
2:2 For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
2:3 And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is the joy of you all.
2:4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you.
2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
2:6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many.
2:7 So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.
2:8 Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
2:9 For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostolic narrative and argument 1 selections
Galatians 2:11–21 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul narrates Peter’s withdrawal, the spread of dissimulation, public rebuke, and the theological argument concerning justification and life in Christ.
2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Christian instruction 3 selections
Galatians 5:13–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: Freedom is directed toward loving service, followed by the contrast between flesh and Spirit and the rejection of vainglory and mutual provocation.
5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
James 1:19–27 KJV · In this guide
Context: Receptive hearing leads through the mirror comparison to practiced obedience, controlled speech, care for the vulnerable, and purity.
1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
1:24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
1 John 1:5–2:2 KJV · In this guide
Context: The message that God is light leads to walking in light, honest confession, cleansing, and Christ’s advocacy and atoning work.
1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
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.
1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
2:1 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
2:2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
Apostolic communal instruction 1 selections
2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul’s work example and command to work quietly explain withdrawal from persistent disorder, while preserving brotherly admonition.
3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
3:8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Instruction to a ministry worker 3 selections
1 Timothy 5:1–2 KJV · In this guide
2 Timothy 2:14–26 KJV · In this guide
Context: The instruction names destructive resurrection teaching, commends approved handling of truth and purity, and closes with the Lord’s servant correcting gently.
2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
2:17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
2:18 Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.
2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2:23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
2:26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
2 Timothy 3:10–4:5 KJV · In this guide
Context: Paul’s example and Timothy’s learning lead into Scripture’s saving and equipping purpose and the solemn charge to preach patiently amid resistance.
3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
3:11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
3:13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
3:14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
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;
4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
4:3 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;
4:4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
4:5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
Church leadership instruction 2 selections
1 Timothy 5:17–25 KJV · In this guide
Context: Honor for serving elders is joined to evidentiary care, public reproof, impartiality, caution in recognition, and the varying visibility of conduct.
5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
5:24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.
5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise can not be hid.
Titus 1:5–16 KJV · In this guide
Context: The elder qualifications lead directly into their teaching responsibility, the damage done by deceivers, and the purpose of reproof.
1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
1:6 If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;
1:8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate;
1:9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
1:10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake.
1:12 One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies.
1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
1:14 Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.
1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.
1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Instruction to a ministry worker and congregation 1 selections
Titus 3:1–11 KJV · In this guide
Context: Gentleness and remembered salvation by mercy lead to good works, rejection of futile disputes, and a limit after warnings to a divisive person.
3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
3:2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.
3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
3:4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,
3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.
3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
3:10 A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;
3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.
Christian exhortation using Israel’s history 1 selections
Hebrews 3:7–19 KJV · In this guide
Context: A citation of the wilderness warning is followed by daily mutual exhortation and reflection on unbelief and failure to enter rest.
3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice,
3:8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
3:9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.
3:10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways.
3:11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.)
3:12 Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.
3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;
3:15 While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, as in the provocation.
3:16 For some, when they had heard, did provoke: howbeit not all that came out of Egypt by Moses.
3:17 But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
3:18 And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
3:19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
Exhortation using family analogy 1 selections
Hebrews 12:1–13 KJV · In this guide
Context: The race and Jesus’ endurance lead into the parental-discipline exhortation, its purpose of holiness, and renewed strength for the path.
12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
12:4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.
12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
Go deeper
Sources & interpretation
The teaching starts with the cited Scripture. These consulted works inform wording, context, and interpretive questions. No qualified human review has been recorded for this guide.
What kind of offense and communal action does Matthew 18 address?
The pinned KJV includes against thee in Matthew 18:15. The NET note records witnesses without these words and favors the shorter reading on balance. Both forms direct an initial personal appeal and a wider process when hearing fails. The surrounding teaching values recovery and forgiveness.
- The longer form begins specifically with a personal offense against the addressee.
- The shorter form begins with a fellow believer’s sin more generally.
- Christians differ over the precise allocation of the church’s authority among the congregation, elders, and wider church bodies.
STRONG: explain the displayed KJV’s personal case and its restorative progression. Do not claim that this sequence is the sole procedure for every public doctrinal or moral case. The exact original wording and a comprehensive church polity are not settled by this guide.
Further study: NET Bible translators · Elisabeth Johnson · Eric Barreto
Further examination: How do the repeated invitations to hear, the witnesses, the lost sheep, and the forgiveness teaching shape the church’s exercise of responsibility? What do Galatians 2 and 1 Timothy 5 add about public accountability?
How do mutual burdens and personal responsibility belong together?
Galatians 6:2 calls for mutual burden-bearing; 6:3 rejects inflated self-assessment; 6:4 calls each person to examine his own work; 6:5 speaks of each bearing his own burden.
- Verses 3–5 require humble personal responsibility alongside the shared help commanded in verse 2; verse 5 may look particularly to final accountability.
- Peeler proposes that verses 3–5 describe a counterexample of self-reliance ending in the lonely task of carrying one’s burden.
PROBABLE for the detailed relation: retain the direct call to personal examination alongside shared help, as Hall also does. Verse 4’s imperative and the rejection of self-deception make this more persuasive than reading the entire sequence as hypothetical self-reliance. Leave the specific final-judgment emphasis open. The duty of gentle restoration in verse 1 is explicit under either reading.
Further study: Amy L. B. Peeler · Crystal Hall · NET Bible translators
Further examination: How does the command to examine one’s own work restrain both superiority in the helper and refusal of responsibility in the person helped?
How can gentle instruction include a firm or public rebuke?
Second Timothy 2 requires a gentle, patient teacher while identifying a specific destructive error. Titus 1 calls for sharp reproof so that hearers become sound in faith. Galatians 2 describes a public rebuke of conduct affecting gospel fellowship, whereas Romans 14 permits differing practices.
- Treat every disagreement as an occasion for firm public correction.
- Treat all reproof that is painful or firm as inconsistent with gentleness.
- Let the truth at stake, the person’s response, the responsibility of the speaker, and the effect on others determine the fitting form, while retaining truthful love.
STRONG: the third account best preserves all the passages. Different settings explain different responses. No text makes personal irritation the measure of error or removes the speaker’s obligation to self-control.
Further study: Matt Skinner · Mary Hinkle Shore · NET Bible translators
Further examination: What particular wrong is named in each passage, who is charged to respond, who is affected, and what good is the correction meant to accomplish?
Must the offender in 2 Corinthians 2 be the man in 1 Corinthians 5?
First Corinthians 5 specifies a sexual offense. Second Corinthians 2:5–11 leaves the offender unnamed, speaks of a sufficient punishment, and commands forgiveness and comfort; 7:12 refers to the wrongdoer and the one wronged without identifying them here.
- The references describe the same offender at successive stages.
- Second Corinthians concerns a different offense, connected with the painful encounter and letter recalled by Paul.
UNCERTAIN: the package does not identify the people or merge the events. The restoration instruction is clear without doing so. A located article arguing for identification could not be accessed in full and is not used as inspected evidence.
Further study: NET Bible translators
Further examination: Which conclusions about forgiveness, comfort, and reaffirming love come from 2 Corinthians 2 itself, regardless of whether the historical identification can be resolved?
- NET Bible: Proverbs 9:8, translation and notes 1–2
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Clarifies that the paired instructions take the hearer’s response into account.
What was reviewed
The displayed verse and both translator notes, including the explanation of contrasting responses to reproof. Accessed 2026-09-25.
A compact translator note; the cited Hebrew syntax book was not independently consulted.
- Commentary on Romans 14:1–12
Mary Hinkle Shore · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2011-09-11
Directs attention to the different gospel stakes in Galatians and Romans and to Christ’s lordship over those who differ.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, especially the contrast with Galatians and the three reasons for bearing with differing practice. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Her suggested chronology and reconstruction of Roman factions are not adopted. Arland Hultgren is cited by Shore but was not independently read.
- NET Bible: Romans 14:1, translation and note 1
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Checks the older English expression doubtful disputations against the addressed dispute over opinions.
What was reviewed
Displayed verse and note 1 concerning opinions and the supplied qualifier differing. Accessed 2026-09-25.
This short note cannot determine by itself which contemporary disagreements are morally indifferent.
- Commentary on Galatians 6:[1–6] 7–16
Amy L. B. Peeler · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2019-07-07
Connects gentle restoration with the preceding Spirit passage and proposes an alternative counterexample reading of 6:3–5.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, including The communal fruit of the spirit continued, The specifics, and Self-awareness in the cross. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Her proposed reading of 6:3–5 is retained as an alternative, not reported as consensus. Her Israel-of-God interpretation is outside this guide.
- Commentary on Galatians 6:[1–6] 7–16
Crystal Hall · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2022-07-03
Reads mutual burden-bearing and personal responsibility together, providing a contrast with Peeler’s proposal.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body; especially the paragraph relating 6:2, 6:5, and 6:7 within the ethical exhortation. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The article’s broader account of new creation and its historical reconstruction are not used to establish correction duties.
- NET Bible: Galatians 6:5, translation and note 1
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Shows the translation-level choice between future accountability and an obligation to carry one’s load.
What was reviewed
Displayed verse and note 1 on an indicative or imperatival understanding of the future verb. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The note does not itself settle the relation of verses 2 and 5. No lexical distinction between two kinds of burden is used as a complete solution.
- NET Bible: 1 Timothy 5:1, translation and notes 1–2
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Clarifies the respectful manner of appeal and the age-based contrast.
What was reviewed
Displayed translation and both notes on harsh address and the carried-over sense of appeal. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The interpretation is checked against the four age/sex groups in 5:1–2; it is not an exemption for church officers.
- NET Bible: Proverbs 27:5–6, notes 1–5
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Connects open reproof with expressed concern and faithful wounds with trustworthy correction.
What was reviewed
Both displayed verses and all five notes. The separate lowercase-book Proverbs 27:6 verse page was also successfully read after earlier URL failures. Accessed 2026-09-25.
McKane’s cited commentary was not independently read. The note’s reading of the enemy’s kisses is not substituted for the pinned KJV.
- Lesson 19: Ministering with Sensitivity and Love (1 Thessalonians 5:14–15)
Steven J. Cole · Bible.org · 2016-12-05
Checks the fainthearted sense and the distinct kinds of help in 5:14.
What was reviewed
Article body, with particular attention to section 1, A–D, and its quoted NASB text. Page publication date is December 5; the lesson is dated December 4. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Pastoral exposition rather than a journal article. His narrowing of weakness to new believers is not adopted; cited Beale and Morris volumes were not independently read. Modern illustrations and claims about civil disputes are not used.
- Commentary on Matthew 18:15–35
Elisabeth Johnson · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2015-02-22
Connects the correction sequence to the lost sheep and keeps exclusion within a continuing restorative concern.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, from the opening discussion of discipline through the concluding paragraph on forgiveness; especially the first five paragraphs. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Scholarly pastoral commentary. Monetary calculations and modern illustrations are not used; this guide does not adopt a denominational procedure from it.
- Commentary on Matthew 18:15–20
Eric Barreto · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2014-09-07
Highlights the community’s serious responsibility and the need for the process to express care.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body; especially the discussion of witnesses, communal discernment, exclusion, and the limits of mechanically following a procedure. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The proposed reconstruction of Matthew’s community is not adopted. Witnesses are not assumed to be partisan supporters, and agreement is not treated as automatic divine approval.
- NET Bible: Matthew 18:15, notes 1–4
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Documents a material textual variation affecting the scope of the initiating offense.
What was reviewed
Displayed verse and all four notes, including textual note 3 concerning the words against you. Accessed 2026-09-25.
The note reports witnesses and a balance of arguments; no manuscript was independently collated and the pinned KJV is unchanged.
- Commentary on 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5
Matt Skinner · Working Preacher / Luther Seminary · 2013-10-20
Keeps Scripture’s usefulness and Timothy’s patient teaching within the ministry charge.
What was reviewed
Complete commentary body, including Exhortations Renewed and all three Preaching the Message points; especially the discussion of 3:16–17 and 4:2. Accessed 2026-09-25.
Authorship, the textual form of 3:14, and a full doctrine of inspiration are not adjudicated here. Modern illustrations are not imported.
- NET Bible: Titus 3:10, displayed translation
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Supplies an inspected translation comparison for the KJV word heretick in a setting of fruitless controversies.
What was reviewed
The complete verse page. The NET renders the person as divisive; its Notes field is empty. Accessed 2026-09-25.
No explanatory NET note exists on this page; the source is not represented as containing one.
- NET Bible: 2 Corinthians 2:5, translation and note 1
NET Bible translators · Biblical Studies Press
Checks the restrained wording with which Paul describes an offense affecting the community.
What was reviewed
Displayed verse and note 1 on the parenthetical qualification concerning the grief caused. Accessed 2026-09-25.
This note supplies no identification of the offender and is not cited as evidence for one.