Admonition

A loving attempt to correct another's attitude or behaviour. Christians are to admonish fellow believers.

The prophets admonished Israel

2 Kings 17:13; Nehemiah 9:29–30 See also Judges 6:7–10; Malachi 2:1–4

Yet through all His prophets and seers, the LORD warned Israel and Judah, saying, “Turn from your wicked ways and keep My commandments and statutes, according to the entire Law that I commanded your fathers and delivered to you through My servants the prophets.”

You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey. You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples.

Parents are to admonish their children

Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4 See also Genesis 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:19; Proverbs 13:24, Proverbs 19:18, Proverbs 22:15, Proverbs 23:13

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.

Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Leaders are to admonish those in their care

2 Timothy 4:2 See also 1 Corinthians 4:14; Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12; Titus 2:15, Titus 3:10

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.

Christians are to admonish fellow believers

Colossians 3:16 See also Psalm 141:5; Luke 17:3; Romans 15:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; 2 Timothy 3:16

Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

It is wise to accept legitimate admonition

Proverbs 13:18, Proverbs 25:12 See also Proverbs 15:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5; Jeremiah 2:30, Jeremiah 5:3, Jeremiah 7:28; Zephaniah 3:1–2, Zephaniah 3:7–8

Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored.

Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.