“My son, do not reject the discipline of the Lord Or loathe His reproof, For whom the Lord loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” – Proverbs 3:11-12 (NASB)
As children we certainly did not enjoy the reproof our parents gave to us when we misbehaved. As adults do we like it any better? Probably not but we can know from our verse today the reproof is a promise affirming that God loves us and He intends the very best for us. Since even the wisest of God’s children are subject to sin, there is necessity of God’s fatherly discipline. He disciplines us to increase wisdom and blessing in our lives. We should not resist such correction but instead receive it with thankfulness because it is for our benefit. Some think discipline is punishment but the two are not quite the same. Discipline, or reproof is not exactly a pay-back for wrong deeds but it is a consequence when we fail to observe the law of God and His commandments.. Hebrews 12:8 teaches us that if we are not being disciplined by God, then we are but illegitimate children and not adopted children of God. Like our verse says, God allows and does what is necessary to correct us because He delights in us and He wants us to know better what His will is for our lives.
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