"Do Not Reprove?"
Daniel Valles

READ Hosea 4:1-4

In these four verses, we see a frightening shadow of our country.  "No truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land."  As it describes what God will do to that country, He then make a statement, that to us seems out of place.  He commands that Hosea and those who fear God should not "strive, nor reprove another."  He then explains that doing so will be akin to someone who argues with the priest.  Matthew Henry best explains - What he is stating about the people, was that they were so inured to their sins, that it be as a wicked person who will not even listen to the priest.  God is saying that people can sin so much that they become set in their ways that judgment must come.  Vs. 5-6 describes how judgment and chastening for those individuals will come one day - because "thou hast forgotten the law of thy God." (vs. 6)   They rejected knowledge - the ability to discern between right and wrong - "therefore will I change their glory into shame."

If there is a chance for someone to change, repent, or correct their ways, we should reprove and strive if necessary.  Leviticus 19:17 "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him." 

Rebuke, done properly without hate, is love and concern for your brethren.  When even striving will not affect them, "yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest."  Rebuke, in love.