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“Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Timothy 5:20).
When I was in high school, I remember that one day, when our principal made the announcements, he remarked that for the first time in eight years, he had felt compelled to use the strap on a boy. He further remarked, “I have a good mind to tell you his name, and why I did it.” He did not tell us his name or why he strapped him, but at the time, no one thought this remark was unusual. Yet today it is considered wrong to rebuke anyone publicly for bad behavior or wrongdoing. Which is the right way?
According to our verse for today, there are times when it is right to administer a public rebuke, so that others will realize the seriousness of sin. It may be embarrassing to the individual, but that is part of the punishment for wrongdoing. Also, if we learn from the experience, it is worth it, and perhaps it will keep others from doing wrong things. This scripture was written to Timothy, who was to be a help to other believers. Obviously we are not called to rebuke every sin in the life of an unbeliever.
However, as in everything, we need wisdom from the Lord in applying this scripture. Sometimes a private word with someone is more helpful than a public rebuke. The important point is that sin should not be ignored, either in our own life, or in the lives of others.
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