Reproof or Reprove?
Yes, words have meaning. It is important to know what they mean. As a boy, I once called my father a name I had heard from the boys at school. I had no clue what it meant. After I got up off the ground my father explained to me what the word meant. When it comes to scripture, words are more important than a knock on the head.
Words impact the meaning of the context they are in. A man running from a smoking building and yelling “fire!”, is in a far better place than a man in front of a death squad yelling “fire!”. When we turn to the scriptures, we want to be able to understand them because they can affect the destiny of souls. This brings me to the specific topic of this article. The word “reprove” is Strong’s number H3198 in the Old Testament and its partner in the New Testament is G1651. These words in Hebrew and Greek carry the idea of rebuking, correcting, or admonishing someone. This word is not the same as “Reproof”. 
The “Reproof” I am referring to is in the New Testament. It is used only two times. It is the word with Strong’s number #G1650. It is first found in 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:”. Nearly every preacher I have ever known or heard has taught this passage is teaching rebuking and then correction. That is simply not correct. It is a proof, evidence, or aspect which convicts. Scripture aids in coming to know doctrine. It presents convicting evidence. It enables poor behavior to be corrected. Finally, it provides direction on how to do right.
The second passage and only other which uses this word, strengthens this understanding. Hebrews 11:1 states: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Here we come to an understanding of a few things. Faith is the substance or foundation. Faith, of course, is built on what is heard from the Word of God (Romans 10:17). Faith is furthermore composed of what is stated in the latter part of the verse, “evidence” – Exactly what 2 Timothy 2:16-17 claims. The Word is profitable for evidence and that faith building evidence is what our hope stands on. Failing to understand the meaning of the word reproof in Timothy (which should be written evidence as in Hebrews 11:1), pulls it from the supporting tool chest drawer of verses that it needs to be in.
The Bible is the mind of God. Understanding it takes time and study. It provides continual growth and insight as to who our God is. Take the time to examine words and find their place in God’s great message. He has given it to us to uncover and discover as we glorify Him day to day.