How would you interpret/apply this verse?

[JMJ_Theresa]

---

Eczekial 3:1819 If I say to the wicked, you shall surely die, and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will required at your hand. But if you warn the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you will have saved your life.

I posted this on moral theology, but there was some concern I was misinterpreting it. My interpretation is that it is directed to all of us. That it is a mandate to warn someone in mortal sin that he should stop. I use the term mortal sin rather than grave matter because it talks about dying (thus, mortal).

So, I thought the scripture scholars could give me some better insight. Goodness knows I’m barely Bible literate Is there a better way to interpret it?

 

[Fidelis]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eczekial 3:1819 If I say to the wicked, you shall surely die, and you give him no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, in order to save his life, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood I will required at your hand. But if you warn the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but you will have saved your life.

I posted this on moral theology, but there was some concern I was misinterpreting it. My interpretation is that it is directed to all of us. That it is a mandate to warn someone in mortal sin that he should stop. I use the term mortal sin rather than grave matter because it talks about dying (thus, mortal).

So, I thought the scripture scholars could give me some better insight. Goodness knows I’m barely Bible literate Is there a better way to interpret it?

My understanding is the same as yours. I would further add James 5:19-20:

19
My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring him back,
20
he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

The application of this, however, should be tempered with prudence, discretion, and especially charity. Sometimes the the right message is delivered in the wrong way. Make sure the person knows you are doing this out of love, not to bring him under condemnation.

 

[Daniel_Marsh]

Read full chapter Ezekiel 18

In short, as long as one is alive, one has a opportunity to repent.

 

[JMJ_Theresa]

When I first read this verse, it really struck me that we could be accountable for speaking up.

I heard it today again when I was listening to Patrick Madrid’s open line show on the EWTN site. He was talking about abortion and our obligation to speak up.

I’ve noticed that people don’t like it. Though, I don’t think that it is that they are ducking obligations that make them uncomfortable, but rather that it seems like you are setting yourself above the sinner. I’m sure we are all aware of our own sins.

So, how do you reconcile these verses with Jesus’s admonition to pull the plank out of your own eye before you try to get the speck out of another’s?

They both seem right, but they seem to contradict.

 

[Fidelis]

JMJ Theresa:

When I first read this verse, it really struck me that we could be accountable for speaking up.

I heard it today again when I was listening to Patrick Madrid’s open line show on the EWTN site. He was talking about abortion and our obligation to speak up.

I’ve noticed that people don’t like it. Though, I don’t think that it is that they are ducking obligations that make them uncomfortable, but rather that it seems like you are setting yourself above the sinner. I’m sure we are all aware of our own sins.

So, how do you reconcile these verses with Jesus’s admonition to pull the plank out of your own eye before you try to get the speck out of another’s?

They both seem right, but they seem to contradict.

In the way I stated above:

The application of this, however, should be tempered with prudence, discretion, and especially charity. Sometimes the the right message is delivered in the wrong way. Make sure the person knows you are doing this out of love, not to bring him under condemnation.

If you’re worried about being a “hypocrite” keep in mind what the word really means-- it is someone who preaches against one thing while continuing to do the same thing himself.

Just because we are sinners ourselves, does not release us from the responsibility of instructing the ignorant. If that were not the case, no one could instruct anyone–because we are ALL sinners!

 

[Klm]

I think this verse is directed to all of us in one sense. Evangelism is the responsibility of everyone. I think that’s more what this verse is about rather than specific sins. It’s also directed to those who are priests and pastors even more so. Ezekeil was appointed watchman over Israel. It was his responsibility to turn the hearts of the people away from their idolatry and back to God. It’s our responsibility as well, but in a different way than that of clergy. This doesn’t mean you should beat them over the head with the Bible. It does mean that you should live as an example, “Preach constantly, when necessary use words” as St. Francis said. When God presents you with an opportunity to speak to someone, do so gently and lovingly. Remember, Jesus never condemned the sinner. For example, if a female friend comes to you and says she considering an abortion, don’t tell her she’ll be condemned to hell for all eternity. Instead, counsel her. Console her. Make sure she knows the other options available (with concrete information - names and numbers she can call). Make sure she understands the emotional toll it will take on her. Then make sure, whatever she decides, that you still remain her friend so you can help her find forgiveness and healing should she go through with it. Above all, act with love and compassion in all matters.
Kris

 

[Timidity]

JMJ Theresa:

That it is a mandate to warn someone in mortal sin that he should stop.

The Church teaches that we cooperate in, and have a responsibility for, the sins committed by others when we don’t disclose them when we have an obligation to do so.

The question arises, then, when do we have that obligation?

 

[Eileen_T]

The Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy

To convert the sinner
**To instruct the ignorant **
To counsel the doubtful
To comfort the sorrowful
To bear wrongs patiently
To forgive injuries
To pray for the living and the dead

St. Augustine wrote: “Medicinal rebuke must be applied to all who sin, lest they should either themselves perish, or be the ruin of others…. Let no one, therefore, say that a man must not be rebuked when he deviates from the right way, or that his return and perseverance must only be asked from the Lord for him.”