2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Notice that Teaching and Training are POSITIVE and Rebuking and Correcting are NEGATIVE. The WORD itself is BALANCED. Two Negatives and Two Positives.
Read some sermons from CHARLES SPURGEON or MARTIN LLOYD JONES. When I read their sermons, I was surprised at their Strictness or Sternness. They never tickled people’s ears.
2 Timothy 4:3-4 (KJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
2 Timothy 4:2 (KJV)
2 PREACH the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.