My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in. – Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV)
My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. – Proverbs 3:11-12 (KJV)
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Theme: God’s Discipline
Loving parents discipline their children. Not because they enjoy handing out punishment, but because they truly love their kids and want what’s best for them. Now that I’m a parent, I catch myself saying the same thing my parents used to say to me when I got out of line: “I love you too much to let you act that way!”
Our Heavenly Father disciplines us for the same reason—because He loves us, His children, dearly and wants us to enjoy His greatest blessings. He loves us too much to let us act that way! Discipline never seems pleasant at the time we receive it, but, if we respond properly, it corrects our behavior and ultimately works to our benefit. It’s hard to see it this way as we go through it, but God’s discipline is actually a blessing for those He loves.
Hebrews chapter 12 references these verses from Proverbs and offers guidance on how we should respond to God’s discipline, so let’s close with that passage of scripture:
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. – Hebrews 12:7-11 (NIV)
