Proverbs 24:25

KJV

But to them that rebuke [him] shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

KJV (with Strong's)

But to them that rebuke {H3198} him shall be delight {H5276}, and a good {H2896} blessing {H1293} shall come {H935} upon them.

Complete Jewish Bible

but with those who condemn him, things will go well, and a good blessing will come upon them.

Berean Standard Bible

but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them.

American Standard Version

But to them that rebukehim shall be delight, And a good blessing shall come upon them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 24:25 extols the virtue and promises a profound reward to those who courageously and justly administer rebuke. In stark contrast to the condemnation of those who justify the wicked, this proverb highlights the divine approval and societal benefit that accrues to individuals who are willing to confront wrongdoing, speak truth, and uphold moral accountability. It underscores that such acts of righteous correction are not only pleasing to God but also lead to personal satisfaction and an outpouring of divine favor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 24:25 is strategically placed within a collection of "words of the wise" (Proverbs 22:17-24:34), a section distinct from the Solomonic proverbs that precede and follow it. This particular verse forms a direct antithetical parallel with the preceding verse, [Proverbs 24:24](/proverbs/24-24 "Proverbs 24:24 - Condemnation for Justifying the Wicked"), which pronounces a curse upon those who justify the wicked and condemn the righteous. Verse 25, therefore, serves as the positive counterpart, illustrating the blessed outcome for those who act righteously in judgment and correction. The broader context of this section of Proverbs often addresses issues of justice, integrity, diligence, and the dangers of various forms of folly, emphasizing the societal implications of individual moral choices. The wisdom presented here is pragmatic, aiming to guide individuals in navigating complex social dynamics and contributing to a just and flourishing community.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, wisdom literature like Proverbs played a crucial role in shaping moral character and societal order. The concept of "rebuke" (Hebrew: *yakhaḥ*) was deeply embedded in the legal, familial, and community structures. Elders, judges, and wise individuals were expected to offer correction, not merely as an act of condemnation, but often with the aim of restoration and the maintenance of communal purity and justice. This was not a private matter but a public duty, reflecting the covenantal relationship with God, who Himself is portrayed as a God of justice and righteousness (e.g., [Psalm 33:5](/psalms/33-5 "Psalm 33:5 - God's Love for Righteousness and Justice")). The cultural expectation was that truth-telling, even when difficult, was a mark of true friendship and leadership, contrasting sharply with the dangers of flattery or enabling evil, which could corrupt the very fabric of society (cf. [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - The Faithfulness of a Friend's Wounds")). The "blessing" promised was understood in holistic terms, encompassing not just material prosperity but also divine favor, reputation, and well-being within the community.

* **Key Themes:** This proverb powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it champions **Courageous Correction**, highlighting the moral fortitude required to confront wrongdoing, whether in judicial settings or personal relationships. Such a "rebuke" is not merely scolding but a righteous intervention aimed at upholding truth and justice. Secondly, it emphasizes **Divine Approval and Blessing**, promising "delight" and a "good blessing" to those who demonstrate this courage, indicating that such actions are pleasing to God and will be divinely rewarded. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God blesses those who walk in integrity and righteousness (e.g., [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1 "Psalm 1 - The Blessed Man")). Thirdly, the proverb underscores the vital role of **Upholding Justice and Accountability** within society. By commending those who rebuke, it reinforces the necessity of maintaining high moral standards and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their actions, which is foundational for a healthy and stable community (see [Proverbs 29:4](/proverbs/29-4 "Proverbs 29:4 - Justice Establishes a Land")). Finally, implicitly, it draws a **Contrast with Flattery and Moral Compromise**, advocating for the boldness of truth-speaking over the dangers of enabling sin or seeking favor through unrighteous means.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rebuke (Hebrew, _yâkach'_):** H3198 from a primitive root meaning "to be right (i.e. correct)." This word carries a broader meaning than simple scolding. It encompasses a legal or moral process of arguing, deciding, convicting, or reproving. It suggests bringing someone to account with an aim towards justice, correction, and often, restoration. It implies a reasoned and authoritative confrontation of error or sin, seeking to set matters right.
* **Delight (Hebrew, _nâʻêm'_):** H5276 from a primitive root meaning "to be agreeable (literally or figuratively)." This term signifies pleasantness, favor, or a sense of inner satisfaction and well-being. For those who administer righteous rebuke, the "delight" is not found in the act of confrontation itself, but in the positive outcome of justice being served, truth being upheld, and the resultant divine approval and peace of conscience.
* **Blessing (Hebrew, _bᵉrâkâh'_):** H1293 from בָרַךְ (barak), meaning "benediction; by implication prosperity." This refers to divine favor, an outpouring of good things, and overall well-being. It signifies not just material prosperity, but also spiritual favor, peace, and the flourishing of life that comes from aligning one's actions with God's righteous character.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to them that rebuke him":** This clause identifies the recipients of the promised reward. The "him" refers to the wicked person or the one in error, implying a direct confrontation of wrongdoing. The act of "rebuking" (yâkach) signifies a courageous and just intervention, often in a public or authoritative capacity, aimed at correcting a moral or legal transgression. It sets these individuals apart from those who would justify the wicked, as mentioned in the preceding verse.
* **"shall be delight":** This phrase describes the immediate, internal reward for those who administer righteous rebuke. The "delight" (nâʻêm) indicates a profound sense of satisfaction, pleasantness, or favor. This is not a superficial happiness but a deep contentment that comes from acting in accordance with divine wisdom and upholding justice, knowing one has done what is right in God's eyes.
* **"and a good blessing shall come upon them":** This final clause promises a further, external reward. The "good blessing" (ṭôwb bᵉrâkâh) signifies an outpouring of divine favor and prosperity. This blessing is comprehensive, encompassing well-being, success, and flourishing in various aspects of life, as a direct consequence of their courageous and righteous actions. It underscores God's approval and active reward for those who champion truth and justice.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 24:25 employs several effective literary devices. Most prominently, it uses **Antithetical Parallelism**, directly contrasting with the preceding [Proverbs 24:24](/proverbs/24-24 "Proverbs 24:24 - Condemnation for Justifying the Wicked"). While verse 24 speaks of a curse for those who justify the wicked, verse 25 promises blessing for those who rebuke them, thereby highlighting the consequences of opposing moral choices. This creates a clear binary, reinforcing the proverb's moral imperative. The proverb also utilizes **Merism** by implying a comprehensive reward ("delight" and "good blessing"), suggesting a holistic well-being that encompasses both internal satisfaction and external prosperity. There is also an element of **Implied Metaphor**, where the act of "rebuking" is likened to a necessary and beneficial surgical intervention that, though painful in the moment, leads to healing and health for the body politic. Finally, the proverb's concise and declarative statement structure lends it **Aphoristic Authority**, making its wisdom memorable and impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 24:25 profoundly connects with the biblical emphasis on divine justice and the call for God's people to reflect His righteousness in their interactions. The willingness to rebuke wrongdoing is not merely a social nicety but a theological imperative, rooted in the character of God who is just and righteous in all His ways. It underscores that true wisdom involves not only personal integrity but also active participation in upholding moral standards within the community. This act of righteous confrontation, when done with wisdom and love, contributes to the flourishing of both individuals and society, aligning human actions with God's redemptive purposes. The promised "delight" and "good blessing" serve as divine affirmation for those who courageously stand for truth, demonstrating that God honors those who honor His principles of justice and accountability.

* [Leviticus 19:17](/leviticus/19-17 "Leviticus 19:17 - You Shall Surely Rebuke Your Neighbor")
* [Psalm 58:11](/psalms/58-11 "Psalm 58:11 - The Righteous Will Be Rewarded")
* [Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - God Judges Among the Nations")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 24:25 challenges believers to cultivate moral courage and discernment in a world often prone to compromise and flattery. It teaches us that speaking truth, even when it involves confronting sin or injustice, is a righteous act that God honors and rewards. This principle applies not only in formal judicial settings but also in our personal relationships, within our families, churches, and broader communities, and even in public discourse. When approached with wisdom, humility, and genuine love (as exhorted in [Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")), offering a just rebuke contributes to growth, accountability, and the flourishing of righteousness. It reminds us that standing for what is right, though it may be challenging and sometimes unpopular, ultimately yields deep satisfaction and divine favor, because we are aligning ourselves with the very nature of God, who is a God of justice and truth. This proverb calls us to be agents of His righteousness, willing to speak uncomfortable truths for the greater good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or community might God be calling you to offer a righteous rebuke?**
* **What fears or hesitations prevent you from speaking truth to power or confronting wrongdoing?**
* **How can you ensure that your rebukes are delivered with wisdom, humility, and love, rather than anger or self-righteousness?**
* **What "delight" and "good blessing" have you experienced or witnessed when truth and justice prevailed through courageous confrontation?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "rebuke" and simply being critical or judgmental?**

Answer: The Hebrew word for "rebuke" (yâkach) in Proverbs 24:25 carries a much deeper meaning than mere criticism or judgment. It implies a process of reasoned argumentation, conviction, and correction, often with the aim of restoring justice or bringing someone to account for their actions. It is not about tearing someone down, but about setting things right. Unlike judgmentalism, which often stems from a self-righteous spirit and lacks a redemptive purpose, biblical rebuke is rooted in a desire for truth, righteousness, and the well-being of the individual or community. It is often a difficult but necessary act of love, as seen in [Leviticus 19:17](/leviticus/19-17 "Leviticus 19:17 - You Shall Surely Rebuke Your Neighbor"), which commands, "You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him." The motivation is crucial: true rebuke seeks correction and restoration, not just condemnation.

**How does this verse relate to the idea of "tough love"?**

Answer: Proverbs 24:25 strongly aligns with the concept of "tough love." It suggests that genuine care and concern sometimes necessitate difficult conversations and confrontations. Just as a physician might administer a painful treatment to bring about healing, so too a righteous rebuke, though potentially uncomfortable for both the giver and receiver, is intended to bring about positive change and prevent further harm. The "delight" and "good blessing" promised to the rebuker indicate that this "tough love" is not only effective but also divinely approved. It is an act of faithfulness, as [Proverbs 27:6](/proverbs/27-6 "Proverbs 27:6 - The Faithfulness of a Friend's Wounds") states, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy." The "toughness" is in the courage to speak truth, and the "love" is in the underlying desire for the other person's good and God's glory.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 24:25 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential rebuker, who consistently confronted sin, hypocrisy, and injustice, not out of malice, but out of perfect righteousness and redemptive love. From rebuking the money-changers in the temple ([John 2:13-17](/john/2-13 "John 2:13-17 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")) to challenging the self-righteousness of the Pharisees ([Matthew 23:1-36](/matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")), Jesus embodied the courageous and just administration of truth. His rebukes were always aimed at exposing darkness and bringing people into the light of God's kingdom. Moreover, Jesus himself received the ultimate "rebuke" on the cross, bearing the judgment for humanity's sin, so that through His sacrifice, we might receive the "good blessing" of salvation and reconciliation with God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). As believers, we are called to follow His example, speaking truth in love ([Ephesians 4:15](/ephesians/4-15 "Ephesians 4:15 - Speaking Truth in Love")), knowing that the Spirit of Christ empowers us to confront sin and injustice in ways that bring glory to God and promote righteousness, ultimately leading to the "delight" of seeing lives transformed and the "good blessing" of participating in His redemptive work ([Matthew 5:16](/matthew/5-16 "Matthew 5:16 - Let Your Light Shine")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Timothy 5:20

Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Proverbs 28:23

¶ He that rebuketh a man afterwards shall find more favour than he that flattereth with the tongue.

1 Kings 21:19

And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, Hast thou killed, and also taken possession? And thou shalt speak unto him, saying, Thus saith the LORD, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick thy blood, even thine.

1 Kings 21:20

And Ahab said to Elijah, Hast thou found me, O mine enemy? And he answered, I have found [thee]: because thou hast sold thyself to work evil in the sight of the LORD.

1 Samuel 3:13

For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

Nehemiah 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.

Nehemiah 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?