Many also had been among our strongest supporters in the early years of our public ministry. They always confuse correction with persecution. It is human nature to do that, and it raises a smokescreen to hide the real issues. Reproof is never an easy thing to receive, and it always seems to be unloving to those who refuse to accept it. Further, one can always find some fault in the reprover, because he or she is also a sinner.
Proverbs teaches that one's attitude toward biblical reproof exposes the condition of the heart.
The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. Billy Graham does not have a good attitude toward biblical reproof. He refused to turn from the path of plain disobedience, and he slanders those who loved him and God's Word enough to attempt to correct him. Billy Graham was warned. He has had many opportunities to repent.