Rebuking someone who is engaged in praising God is a sensitive matter that requires great discernment and care.

The Bible provides numerous examples of individuals and groups who praise God outwardly through various expressions such as singing, dancing, playing instruments, and shouting. Here are several notable examples:

David Dancing Before the Ark (2 Samuel 6:14-16):

Scripture: "And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn."

Context: David's dance was an expression of unbridled joy and gratitude as the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. His praise was so fervent that it even drew criticism, which he defended as being for the Lord.

Miriam's Song of Praise (Exodus 15:20-21):

Scripture: "Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: 'Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.'"

Context: Following the Israelites’ safe crossing of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army, Miriam led the women in song and dance to praise God for His deliverance.

The Levites in Nehemiah’s Time (Nehemiah 12:27, 43):

Scripture: "And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres... Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. So that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off."

Context: This passage describes the celebration of the completion of Jerusalem's wall, marked by music and great joy among the community, showing communal praise.

Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:25):

Scripture: "About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them."

Context: Despite being imprisoned, Paul and Silas chose to praise God. Their worship led to a miraculous release from their chains and opened the door for the jailer's conversion.

The Multitude in Revelation (Revelation 19:1, 6):

Scripture: "After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, 'Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God!'... Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.'"

Context: Here, the multitude in heaven praises God with loud voices, celebrating His reign and the triumph of His kingdom.

These examples reflect the diverse and expressive ways in which believers have historically praised God, each appropriate to the context and heartfelt in its execution. Such demonstrations of praise are integral parts of worship and reflect the joy and reverence toward God.Rebuking someone who is engaged in praising God is a sensitive matter that requires great discernment and care. The Bible provides guidance on when and how to address issues within the church community, especially when it comes to correcting others. It's important to consider the intentions and the heart behind the person's actions before deciding to rebuke. Here are some principles and examples from scripture to consider:

Biblical Principles for Rebuke

Right Motivation (Galatians 6:1): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." This passage highlights the need for gentleness and self-awareness when approaching someone for correction.

Appropriate Timing (Ecclesiastes 3:7): There is "a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." Wisdom is needed to discern the right moment for rebuke, ensuring it is done in a way that can be received and is beneficial.

Constructive Purpose (Ephesians 4:29): "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." Rebuke should aim to edify and encourage betterment, not merely to criticize or condemn.

Contexts Requiring Rebuke

Incorrect Doctrine: If someone is praising God but spreading theological inaccuracies that could mislead others, correction might be necessary. For example, if someone publicly attributes characteristics to God that are contrary to His nature as revealed in Scripture, this should be addressed.

Inappropriate Behavior: If the manner of praising God disrupts worship, is disrespectful to the congregation, or draws attention away from God and towards the individual, this may also require gentle correction.

How to Approach Rebuke

Privately and Respectfully: Following Matthew 18:15, it's advisable to approach the person privately first, rather than exposing or embarrassing them in front of others.

With Scripture: Use God’s Word as the basis for the rebuke, ensuring that the correction is grounded in truth and not personal preference (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Prayerfully: Pray for the right words and for the individual’s heart to be receptive. Pray also for your own heart to ensure you are acting out of love and not irritation or pride.

With Patience and Love: Demonstrate patience and love, remembering that we all are in need of grace and correction at times.

Real-World Example

If someone in the congregation begins loudly speaking in tongues during a service where such expressions are not common practice and it causes confusion, a leader might gently pull them aside later to explain the church’s practices and discuss the appropriate times for such expressions of praise, referencing 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace."

In every case, the goal should be to honor God and foster a loving, respectful community that grows together in faith.