God loves and therefore judges. He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Our Savior will not overlook this need in His children. Despite human variability in attitude and conduct, God remains constant and faithful to what He is. His discipline can sometimes be very stressful, yet that is the cost of following Him where He leads. He acts according to His unchanging character and purpose regardless of whether people allow Him to be closely or only marginally involved in how they live their lives.

A wise person chooses to associate with those from whom knowledge of great realities can be gleaned. Being rebuked is better than receiving praise because a rebuke shows disapproval yet can come from a messenger of God who intends good. Wisdom lies in accepting the rebuke even when it is painful and even when the person delivering it is not highly respected. The foolishness lies in accepting the song of fools and commonly held lies instead. Accepting the rebuke without retaliation allows the person to gain from it even if the rebuke is embarrassing. Retaliation upon being rebuked is a sign of character weakness. Jesus calmly replied to stabs at His message and character without accusing others of being evil. David considered that the Lord might have sent a rebuke to test him. Accepting correction from God is not necessarily going to produce an easier life. Paul accepted the rebuke from Jesus Christ and his life became more difficult yet he understood that whatever God was having him do was the best thing at that time. From God's point of view accepting a sharp rebuke that brings public embarrassment can be a loving gift and a gain to one's life. Being rebuked by the truth of God enhances the day of one's death.

When criticism is given or received, it is always difficult to avoid offending or taking offense. The Creator received rebuke without retaliating, and no one has ever been imprisoned in His heart. God may send a vital message of correction or rebuke through someone other than a minister or someone regarded as having legitimate authority. Criticism, legitimate or not, must be accepted from any person that God sends across one's path. Perhaps only a true friend would point out a weakness or fault that no one else might see or care about. Whenever one is wronged, especially by a brother, one should strive to avoid becoming so inflexible that the doors of animosity are slammed shut against him. The decision to withhold forgiveness, particularly from a brother who sincerely asks for absolution and reconciliation, can lead to a sinful attitude that keeps one locked inside a bitter prison of enmity. Regardless of whether one is the offender or the offended, there is a constant need to first be forgiven and reconciled with God. There is a need for the spirit of humility, which can only come from Him, to lead efforts toward genuine restoration and reconciliation. There is a need to throw open the doors of one's heart's prison to release all, including oneself, who have been confined within the walls of animosity for too long. There is a need to imitate Jesus Christ, as He came to free those who are imprisoned, to heal the brokenhearted, and to set at liberty those who are oppressed.