The Wise Will Judge and Rebuke

How must wickedness be answered? Proverbs 24:23–25 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these three verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that wickedness must be judged by authorities and rejected by all. This passage calls for impartiality in judgment, emphasizing that favoritism—especially toward the wicked—is fundamentally contrary to divine justice. It contrasts the condemnation of those who falsely declare the wicked righteous with the blessing promised to those who faithfully rebuke evil. Ultimately, the passage points to the necessity of the Gospel, as only through divine regeneration can individuals and communities be transformed to delight in righteousness and oppose evil with courage and unity. The call is to live before God's face, judging with His justice, which is only possible through faith in Christ and the power of His Spirit.