Proverbs 3:12

For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
– Proverbs 3:12

Solomon explains why we should not despise nor be weary of correction. He compares God’s chastening as that of a father to his son. In the best case, a father corrects his son because he loves him and wants good for him. Of course, earthly fathers with even the best intentions fail in their corrections (Hebrews 12:9-10). We fail by being too severe, too soft, and having wrong motivations. Sometimes earthly fathers chasten their children for the father’s own convenience, but God always chastens out of his love for us and for our good. While expounding this verse, the writer of Hebrews also pointed out that it is not a pleasant experience (Hebrews 12:11). So there is added encouragement to endure and be trained up under it. Rather than fainting and assuming it a token of God’s displeasure, we are assured that it is a great sign of his love for us (Hebrews 12:7-8).

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