The Call to Judgement

(Proverbs 24:25 KJV)  But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

The NASB says that we will “rebuke” (3198) the “wicked” but you can tell by the italics that this is implied from the previous verse.  In our day and age of warm fuzzies, seeker friendly worship and self esteem this sounds alien to our ears.  Unfortunately much that the Bible teaches sounds foreign to our ears these days.  I was talking to the pastor of our previous church who had just retired and I pointed out that I kept expecting him to be escorted out of the church in handcuffs because he was preaching what the Bible said. 

It is a concept that travels across the Testaments.  Here for instance,

(2 Timothy 4:2 KJV)  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

It is possible to use this type of verse as a proof text for judgmental crusades against people we don’t like.  It can be abused.  It is still required.

So?  Avoid being “judgmental” by making sure your heart is right and your knowledge of the word is solid.  Then call ‘em as God sees ‘em.  It won’t make you popular with the wicked but it will please the heart of God.