The Instructor 1.9.81

Ridicule (diasyrsis) is mocking blame. The divine Instructor uses this aid too through Jeremiah, saying: “You had the face of a harlot; you were shameless toward all. And did you not call me as your house and father and guardian of your virginity?” and “a harlot, fair and charming, skilled in sorceries.” Very skillfully insulting the virgin with the name of harlotry, he calls her back again to modesty, putting her to shame. Indignation (katanemesēsis) is lawful censure, or censure of those who are exalted beyond what is fitting †. By this he instructed through Moses, saying: “Blemished children, a crooked and perverse generation, is this how you repay the Lord? This is a foolish people and not wise. Is not he your father who acquired you?” And through Isaiah he says: “Your rulers are disobedient, partners of thieves, loving bribes, pursuing rewards, not judging for orphans.” In general, his art of using fear is a spring of salvation, and to save belongs to the good one. “The mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh, reproving and disciplining and teaching, as a shepherd his flock. He has mercy on those who accept discipline and are eager to cling to him.” And by this guidance “he guarded six hundred thousand foot soldiers, gathered together in their hardness of heart, scourging, having mercy, striking, healing, in compassion and discipline.” “For as great as his mercy, so great also is his reproof.” It is good not to sin, but it is also good for one who has sinned to repent; just as it is best always to be healthy, but good also to recover from illness.