Confronting others is necessary at times, but the Bible emphasizes doing so with love and truth. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture teaches us to approach confrontation in a way that restores relationships and glorifies God.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Conflicts
What Does The Bible Say About Confronting Others
Matthew 18:15
“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of addressing conflicts and sins directly with the person involved. It teaches us to approach the situation privately and aim for reconciliation rather than public humiliation.
Confronting others in a loving and gentle manner allows for understanding, healing, and restoration of relationships.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
In this verse, we are reminded to approach someone caught in sin with gentleness and humility, not with condemnation or judgment. Our goal should be to help restore them and prevent ourselves from falling into temptation.
Confrontation should be driven by love, compassion, and a desire for spiritual growth and restoration for all parties involved.
Proverbs 27:5-6
“Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”
This passage highlights the importance of confronting others when necessary. Openly addressing issues is often more beneficial than keeping silent out of fear or discomfort.
A true friend is not afraid to offer constructive criticism and gentle rebuke. Their honesty and concern can be trusted, unlike the insincere flattery of an enemy.
James 5:19-20
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
Confrontation is necessary when someone strays from the truth. It is an act of love and can lead to repentance and forgiveness.
By addressing a person’s errors and bringing them back to the right path, we have the opportunity to save them from the consequences of their actions and bring restoration to their soul.
Proverbs 9:8
“Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.”
This verse cautions against wasting our efforts on those who reject correction or mockery. Instead, it encourages us to direct our rebukes toward those who are wise and receptive.
Confrontation should be aimed at those who are open to correction and willing to learn. Wise individuals appreciate genuine feedback and grow from it, fostering a deeper love and respect for the person confronting them.
Proverbs 28:23
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
Speaking the truth in love and offering constructive criticism can lead to favor and respect from others in the long run.
Flattery may temporarily please someone but is not genuinely beneficial. Rebuking with integrity and honesty is more likely to bring about positive results and strengthen relationships.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse reminds us that confrontation can be a means of growth and refinement. Just as iron sharpens iron, confronting others in a loving manner can sharpen their character and lead to personal growth.
When done with sincerity and humility, the process of confronting and being confronted can strengthen both individuals involved, fostering personal development and deeper relationships.
1 Timothy 5:20
“But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.”
In situations involving church leaders or those in positions of authority, it may be necessary to confront publicly in order to address sin and protect the spiritual well-being of others.
Public confrontation serves as a warning to others, discouraging them from falling into similar patterns of sin and promoting accountability and righteousness within the community.
Proverbs 15:31-32
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
This passage encourages us to embrace correction and discipline rather than rejecting or despising them. Accepting confrontation with humility and a desire for growth leads to wisdom and understanding.
By heeding correction, we position ourselves among the wise and open ourselves up to personal transformation and deeper insights.
Proverbs 10:17
“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”
Confrontation, when heeded, can guide others towards a path of righteousness and life.
Choosing to ignore correction not only hinders personal growth but also has the potential to influence others negatively, leading them astray from God’s truth.
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
Embracing discipline and correction is a sign of wisdom and a thirst for knowledge.
Those who resist correction out of pride or stubbornness are described as foolish. True growth and maturity come from humbly acknowledging our flaws and allowing correction to reshape us.
Proverbs 19:25
“Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.”
While confronting a mocker may not lead to immediate change, it can serve as a teaching moment for others, fostering prudence and discernment in those who are open to learning.
Rebuking the discerning, on the other hand, can deepen their knowledge and understanding, encouraging personal growth and a hunger for truth.
Proverbs 15:5
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of receiving correction with humility and understanding. Rejecting discipline or confrontation displays foolishness, while heeding correction demonstrates wisdom and prudence.
Choosing to learn from wise counsel and guidance, even if it comes through confrontation, leads to personal growth and maturity.
Proverbs 10:8
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
Those who possess wisdom and understanding embrace correction and instructions, recognizing their value and importance.
However, those who continuously talk without heeding correction are destined for destruction and failure.
Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
This passage cautions us against hypocrisy and self-righteousness when confronting others. Before addressing someone else’s faults, we must humbly examine and address our own shortcomings.
Only with a self-reflective and humble heart can we approach others in a helpful and loving manner, seeking their well-being rather than merely pointing out their faults.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Confrontation from a true and genuine friend brings joy and pleasantness to our lives.
The advice and rebuke offered by a trusted friend, motivated by love and concern, can have a profound positive impact on our lives and lead to personal growth.
Proverbs 13:18
“Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.”
Disregarding discipline, including confrontation, leads to negative consequences such as poverty and shame.
On the other hand, those who humbly accept and apply correction are worthy of honor and respect.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse reminds us that confrontation can be a means of growth and refinement. Just as iron sharpens iron, confronting others in a loving manner can sharpen their character and lead to personal growth.
When done with sincerity and humility, the process of confronting and being confronted can strengthen both individuals involved, fostering personal development and deeper relationships.
Proverbs 28:23
“Whoever rebukes a person will in the end gain favor rather than one who has a flattering tongue.”
Speaking the truth in love and offering constructive criticism can lead to favor and respect from others in the long run.
Flattery may temporarily please someone but is not genuinely beneficial. Rebuking with integrity and honesty is more likely to bring about positive results and strengthen relationships.
Proverbs 15:31-32
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.”
This passage encourages us to embrace correction and discipline rather than rejecting or despising them. Accepting confrontation with humility and a desire for growth leads to wisdom and understanding.
By heeding correction, we position ourselves among the wise and open ourselves up to personal transformation and deeper insights.
Proverbs 10:17
“Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.”
Confrontation, when heeded, can guide others towards a path of righteousness and life.
Choosing to ignore correction not only hinders personal growth but also has the potential to influence others negatively, leading them astray from God’s truth.
Proverbs 12:1
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
Embracing discipline and correction is a sign of wisdom and a thirst for knowledge.
Those who resist correction out of pride or stubbornness are described as foolish. True growth and maturity come from humbly acknowledging our flaws and allowing correction to reshape us.
Proverbs 19:25
“Flog a mocker, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke the discerning, and they will gain knowledge.”
While confronting a mocker may not lead to immediate change, it can serve as a teaching moment for others, fostering prudence and discernment in those who are open to learning.
Rebuking the discerning, on the other hand, can deepen their knowledge and understanding, encouraging personal growth and a hunger for truth.
Proverbs 15:5
“A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of receiving correction with humility and understanding. Rejecting discipline or confrontation displays foolishness, while heeding correction demonstrates wisdom and prudence.
Choosing to learn from wise counsel and guidance, even if it comes through confrontation, leads to personal growth and maturity.
Proverbs 10:8
“The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
Those who possess wisdom and understanding embrace correction and instructions, recognizing their value and importance.
However, those who continuously talk without heeding correction are destined for destruction and failure.
Matthew 7:3-5
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
This passage cautions us against hypocrisy and self-righteousness when confronting others. Before addressing someone else’s faults, we must humbly examine and address our own shortcomings.
Only with a self-reflective and humble heart can we approach others in a helpful and loving manner, seeking their well-being rather than merely pointing out their faults.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
Confrontation from a true and genuine friend brings joy and pleasantness to our lives.
The advice and rebuke offered by a trusted friend, motivated by love and concern, can have a profound positive impact on our lives and lead to personal growth.
Proverbs 13:18
“Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored.”
Disregarding discipline, including confrontation, leads to negative consequences such as poverty and shame.
On the other hand, those who humbly accept and apply correction are worthy of honor and respect.