Matthew 7:4-6 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

Reproving.

This is kindred to judging, and so these are here closely associated. The Duty of reproving should be discharged with discretion.

I. THE REPROVING OF A BROTHER SHOULD BE CONSIDERATE .

1 . Reproof is a precious and holy thing.

(a) Saves souls from death (see James 5:19 , James 5:20 ).

(b) Frees our souls from the guilt of complicity.

(c) Leaves the sinner without excuse. So the fidelity of Noah condemned the antediluvians ( Hebrews 11:7 ).

2 . The office of reprover should not be lightly undertaken.

II. THE INCORRIGIBLY WICKED ARE BEYOND REPROOF .

1 . They are described as dogs and swine.

2 . Their dispositions are brutish.

3 . Let tide incorrigible alone.

LESSONS .

1 . There are degrees in sin—the mote as compared with the beam.

2 . There are those who have the beam in the eye, but do not consider it. They justify their enormities by pleading that "others do worse."

3 . He is no enemy to sin who does not hate it in himself.

4 . Let reproof begin at home.

5 . Let the severity of our reproving be restrained by consideration of our own frailty.—J.A.M.