The Instructor 1.9.78

Reprimand (epiplēxis) is striking censure or smiting blame. The Instructor uses this treatment too, through Isaiah, saying: “Woe, rebellious children, says the Lord: you have made a plan, but not through me, and covenants, but not through my Spirit.” At every point he uses fear as a very sharp astringent, at once opening up the people and turning them back through it to salvation, just as wool that is to be dyed is usually treated with an astringent first, to prepare it to take the dye firmly. Reproof (elenchos) is the bringing of sin to light, setting it out in the open. He uses this manner of instruction most of all, as necessary, because of the weakness of the faith of the many. For he says through Isaiah: “You have forsaken the Lord and provoked the Holy One of Israel to anger.” And he says through Jeremiah: “Heaven was astonished at this, and the earth shuddered greatly; for this people has done two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and dug for themselves broken cisterns that can hold no water.” And again through the same prophet: “Jerusalem sinned a sin; therefore she has become unsettled; all who glorified her have dishonored her, for they saw her shame.” He softens the severity and sharpness of reproof through Solomon, hinting by implication at the fatherly love in his instruction: “My son, do not make light of the discipline of the Lord, nor lose heart when you are reproved by him; for the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and scourges every son whom he receives,” since “a sinful man shuns reproof.” Consistently, then, Scripture says, “Let the righteous one reprove me and discipline me; but let not the oil of the sinner anoint my head.”