Last night I attended a high school district tournament basketball game. During the course of the game, the student cheering section from our school began to shout mean and profane chants at the students from the other school.

I was embarrassed at the lack of class shown by teenagers who should know better than to act that way in public. Such behavior only serves to perpetuate the “ignorant redneck” stereotype that plagues our area.

However, I was pleased to see the immediate and forceful response by school administrators who were in attendance. They quickly quieted the unruly students and lectured them on proper behavior. The student section sat quietly through the rest of the game.

There is much to be said in favor of a timely rebuke. Paul commanded Timothy, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2).

There is a lesson to be learned here for anyone in a position of authority. Parents, teachers, supervisors, church leaders, etc. should be prepared to correct those in their sphere of influence whenever they get out of line. Sometimes people just need to be told to calm down and be quiet.