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Learning from Biblical Examples of Correction and Instruction

Biblical examples of correction and instruction demonstrate how God guides individuals and communities toward righteousness, often through direct teaching, reproof, and disciplinary actions. The Scriptures themselves are described as "God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness" [10]. This comprehensive purpose highlights the Bible's role in shaping moral conduct and spiritual understanding [8].

Instruction in the Bible takes various forms. It can be direct teaching, as seen in Proverbs 1:3, which speaks of receiving "instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity" [5]. The book of Proverbs frequently emphasizes the value of instruction, noting that a wise person will become wiser through it, and a righteous person will increase in learning [11]. Even the simple gain wisdom when a mocker is punished and the wise are instructed [9]. Josephus noted that Moses's settlement emphasized both instruction in words and practical exercises for moral conduct [12].

Correction, or reproof, is also a significant element. It involves pointing out error and guiding individuals back to the right path. Proverbs 6:23 connects reproofs with "the convictions of error produced by instruction" [16]. The need for correction is evident in passages that discuss parental discipline, where chiding and correction are seen as necessary for a child's wisdom, even if it causes temporary discomfort [15]. This concept extends to divine discipline, which is understood as a form of chastening or training aimed at amelioration [13]. Grace itself is described as exercising discipline, teaching believers to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts [18].

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals who embody these principles, both in giving and receiving instruction and correction. Christ himself serves as the ultimate example in many areas. He demonstrated diligence, rising early for devotion and executing God's commands [1, 4]. He exemplified self-denial, which is presented as a test of devotion and necessary for following him [2]. Christ also showed resignation, submitting to the will of God even in the face of death [3]. His example of forgiving injuries, even while being crucified, is presented as a model for believers, emphasizing unlimited forgiveness and kindness [6].

Beyond Christ, other biblical figures illustrate the importance of diligence, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, Samuel, and David, who all practiced early rising in their service or duties [1]. The Old Testament also contains examples of God's judgment serving as a form of correction and instruction. For instance, the judgment on the angels who sinned, the antediluvians, and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as warnings and demonstrate God's commitment to vindicating the faithful and condemning those who deny him [14, 19].

The ability to receive admonition is crucial. Ecclesiastes 4:13 states that "Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more" [7]. This highlights that openness to correction, regardless of status or age, is a mark of wisdom. Parents are also instructed to diligently communicate what they have learned from God to their children, ensuring the propagation of truth through generations [17].

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Early Rising — Christ set an example of -- Mr 1:35; Lu 21:38; Joh 8:2. Requisite for Devotion. -- Ps 5:3; 59:16; 63:1; 88:13; Isa 26:9. Executing God's commands. -- Ge 22:3. Discharge of daily duties. -- Pr 31:15. Neglect of, leads to poverty -- Pr 6:9-11. Practised by the wicked, for Deceit. -- Pr 27:14. Executing plans of evil. -- Mic 2:1. Illustrates spiritual diligence -- Ro 13:11,12. Exemplified Abraham. -- Ge 19:27. Isaac, &c. -- Ge 26:31. Jacob. -- Ge 28:18. Joshua &c. -- Jos 3:1. Gideon. -- Jdj 6:38. Samuel. -- 1Sa 15:12. David. -- 1Sa 17:20. Mary, &c. -- Mr ”
  2. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Self-Denial — Christ set an example of -- Mt 4:8-10; 8:20; Joh 6:38; Ro 15:3; Php 2:6-8. A test of devotedness to Christ -- Mt 10:37,38; Lu 9:23,24. Necessary In following Christ. -- Lu 14:27-33. In the warfare of saints. -- 2Ti 2:4. To the triumph of saints. -- 1Co 9:25-27. Ministers especially called to exercise -- 2Co 6:4,5. Should be exercised in Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts. -- Ro 6:12; Tit 2:12. Controlling the appetite. -- Pr 23:2. Abstaining from fleshly lusts. -- 1Pe 2:11. No longer living to lusts of men. -- 1Pe 4:2. Mortifying sinful lusts. -- Mr ”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  5. Proverbs “to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity; -- Proverbs 1:3”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Forgiveness of Injuries — Christ set an example of -- Lu 23:34. Commanded -- Mr 11:25; Ro 12:19. To be unlimited -- Mt 18:22; Lu 17:4. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 7:4. Motives to The mercy of God. -- Lu 6:36. Our need of forgiveness. -- Mr 11:25. God's forgiveness of us. -- Eph 4:32. Christ's forgiveness of us. -- Col 3:13. A glory to saints -- Pr 19:11. Should be accompanied by Forbearance. -- Col 3:13. Kindness. -- Ge 45:5-11; Ro 12:20. Blessing and prayer. -- Mt 5:44. Promises to -- Mt 6:14; Lu 6:37. No forgiveness without -- Mt 6:15; Jas 2:13. Illustrated --”
  7. Ecclesiastes “Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who doesn’t know how to receive admonition any more. -- Ecclesiastes 4:13”
  8. II Timothy “II Timothy 3:16 (ASV) — Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness:”
  9. Proverbs “When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. -- Proverbs 21:11”
  10. 2 Timothy “Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, -- 2 Timothy 3:16”
  11. Proverbs “Instruct a wise man, and he will be still wiser. Teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. -- Proverbs 9:9”
  12. Project Gutenberg “Flavius Josephus, Against Apion, BOOK II, section 27: of the community with one another; for all our actions and studies, and all our words, [in Moses's settlement,] have a reference to piety towards God; for he hath left none of these in suspense, or undetermined. For there are two ways of coming at any sort of learning and a moral conduct of life; the one is by instruction in words, the other by practical exercises. Now other lawgivers have separated these two ways in their opinions, and choosing one of those ways of instruction, or that which best pleased every one of them, neglected the ot”
  13. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 12:7: In Heb 12:7-8 the need of "chastening" or "discipline" is inculcated; in Heb 12:9, the duty of those to whom it is administered. If--The oldest manuscripts read, "With a view to chastening (that is, since God's chastisement is with a view to your chastening, that is, disciplinary amelioration) endure patiently"; so Vulgate. ALFORD translates it as indicative, not so well, "It is for chastisement that ye are enduring." dealeth with you--"beareth Himself toward you" in the very act of chastening. what son is he--"What son is there" even in ordinar”
  14. 2 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Peter 2:4: 2:4-10 Three Old Testament examples of judgment show that God will vindicate those who remain faithful to him and will condemn those who deny him, including the false teachers (see 2:3). 2:4 The first example of judgment is the angels who sinned: The widespread Jewish tradition was that “the sons of God” in Gen 6:1-5 (understood as angels) had intercourse with women and were therefore judged by God at that time (see 1 Enoch 6–10; cp. 1 Pet 3:19-20; Jude 1:6). • in gloomy pits of darkness: This description of the underworld was popular in the ancient world and is p”
  15. Proverbs (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Proverbs 29:15: Parents, in educating their children, must consider, 1. The benefit of due correction. They must not only tell their children what is good and evil, but they must chide them, and correct them too, if need be, when they either neglect that which is good or do that which is evil. If a reproof will serve without the rod, it is well, but the rod must never be used without a rational and grave reproof; and then, though it may be a present uneasiness both to the father and to the child, yet it will give wisdom. Vexatio dat intellectum - Vexation sharpens the intellec”
  16. Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 6:23: reproofs-- (Pro 1:23) the convictions of error produced by instruction.”
  17. CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 22.18: to posterity and that they may deliver the knowledge received through us, from hand to hand, (as we say,) to their descendants. Wherefore, it is the duty of parents to apply themselves diligently to the work of communicating what they have learned from the Lord to their children. In this manner the truth of God is to be propagated by us, so that no one may retain his knowledge for his own private use; but that each may edify others, according to his own calling, and to the measure of his faith. There is however no doubt, that the”
  18. Titus (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Titus 2:12: Teaching--Greek, "disciplining us." Grace exercises discipline, and is imparted in connection with disciplining chastisements (Co1 11:32; Heb 12:6-7). The education which the Christian receives from "the grace" of God is a discipline often trying to flesh and blood: just as children need disciplining. The discipline which it exercises teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world (Greek, "age," or course of things) where such self-discipline is needed, seeing that its spirit is oppos”
  19. 2 Peter (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Peter 2 (introduction): False teachers foretold, who shall bring in destructive doctrines and shall pervert many, but at last be destroyed by the judgments of God, Pe2 2:1-3. Instances of God's judgments in the rebellious angels, Pe2 2:4. In the antediluvians, Pe2 2:5. In the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha, Pe2 2:6-8. The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly, as well as to punish the ungodly, Pe2 2:9. The character of those seducing teachers and their disciples; they are unclean, presumptuous, speak evil of dignities, adulterous, covetous, and cursed, Pe2 2:10-14. Have forsaken”
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