Why the Bible, Part V - “Reproof” – II Timothy 3:16

II Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable ... for reproof."

One of the purposes of the Bible is to reveal God to men – that is the main part of the purpose of  “doctrine” (teaching). But another equally important purpose is to reveal man to himself, that is, to show what man is and what he is like. Reproof does that very thing – it shows us what we are by pointing out our flaws. James refers to the Word of God as a mirror that shows us what we really are (James 1:23). As much as we hate being told when we sin – that is, doing something wrong against what God teaches in the Bible – it is good and necessary for us to know it. For example, while I type this, I am waiting for my truck which is at the mechanic’s shop. I have been hearing something that sounds like a wheel bearing going bad. That sound is the “reproof” that tells me something is wrong and I need to do something about it before more serious problems result. As it turns out I was right - the bearings needed to be replaced.

Essentially that is what the Bible does for us – showing us the problems in our lives that need to be corrected before more serious problems come about. So as you read the Bible and see what God teaches and then realize that you are not doing what God teaches, you come to the realization that you must do something about it.