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The "Chain" of Correction

How strident should we be when critiquing others?

October, 2021


Scripture uses several different terms to describe the way errors are confronted. The most common terms seen in English translations are "rebuke," "correction," and "chastisement," but the word "criticism" is connected to those ideas, as well. The strength and depth of a critique is not always the same. So, what is the difference between those forms of admonishment? And when is each appropriate?

Those words have a lot of overlap. A parallel relationship is in the English terms "correct," "fix," "edit," "rewrite," and "redo." Speaking about a writing assignment, the exact same step could be described using all of those. Then again, "correcting" a paper is probably not the same as "redoing" a paper. "Fix" has a lot more in common with "correct," and "rewrite" is closer to "redo." Changing a spelling error is really more of a "correct" than a "redo; starting from scratch is a lot more than just a "fix."

The point is that even if we can make a chain from one end to another, those links still overlap. There is no hard line between them. How we perceive words used to chide someone for an error are influenced by their differences in English. Even more importantly, the original terms are all translated from terms in Greek and Hebrew. Those, as well, have their own ranges of meaning. This month's spotlight verse includes a few of those very words.

Once all the rhetorical and lingual dust settles, a reasonable progression would be this: criticism—correction—chastisement—rebuke.

As with editing a paper, which one we use depends on how major the issue is. Doing something stupid, but not sinful, is probably in line for "criticism." A minor spiritual mistake needs "correction" (2 Timothy 2:25). Committing a clear sin deserves "chastisement." Openly defying God or being obstinate asks for a "rebuke." Of course, others might arrange those in a different order, and that's OK. The point is that there's some flexibility between them. All the same, it's reasonable to say one should not "rebuke" others for minor disagreements. Nor should a leader merely "criticize" a person who commits heinous sin.

"Correction" and "criticism" can be intellectual only; the person might respond with "oh, I see." Or, at worst, "oops, my bad."

In the Bible, "chastisement" usually carries the implication of shame. There's an appeal to a person's conscience and their reputation with others. Being "chastised" tends to make people say, "I'm sorry, that was wrong of me." It's one of the descriptions of how God deals with our sins (Hebrews 12:6–8). That might include more than just emotions; it may come with some practical consequences.

A biblical "rebuke" implies something very stern, and possibly—but not always—public. That is, to "rebuke" someone implies scolding them or "chewing them out," as some might say (Mark 8:33). It's a strong step, so in some situations it should be avoided (1 Timothy 5:1, 20). One could say that when you apply a more "tough love" approach than simply "tough talking," it becomes "reproof" (2 Timothy 4:2).

Keep in mind that the edges of all these terms are fuzzy. There are differences, and those differences mean something. But they're not like the difference between "yes" and "no" or between "two" and "ten." Just as biblical conflict resolution follows a progression (Matthew 18:15–20), so too does biblical correction. Grace, as always, is key in how we judge which is most appropriate.


-- Editor
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