Proverbs 3:11
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The contrast here follows. As God should not be forgotten in days of prosperity, so one should not suffer himself to be estranged from Him by days of adversity. 11 The school of Jahve, my son, despise thou not, Nor loathe thou His correction; 12 For Jahve correcteth him whom He loveth, And that as a father his son whom he loveth Vid., the original passage Job 5:17. There is not for the Book of Job a more suitable motto than this tetrastich, which expresses its fundamental thought, that there is a being chastened and tried by suffering which has as its motive the love of God, and which does not exclude sonship. (Note: Here Procop. rightly distinguishes between παιδεία and τιμωρία.) One may say that Pro 3:11 expresses the problem of the Book of Job, and Pro 3:12 its solution. מוּסר, παιδεία, we have translated "school," for יסּר, παιδεύειν, means in reality to take one into school. Ahndung [punishment] or Rge [reproof] is the German word which most corresponds to the Hebr. תּוכחה or תּוכחת. קוּץ ב (whence here the prohibitive תּקץ with אל) means to experience loathing (disgust) at anything, or aversion (vexation) toward anything. The lxx (cited Heb 12:5.), μηδὲ ἐκλύου, nor be faint-hearted, which joins in to the general thought, that we should not be frightened away from God, or let ourselves be estranged from Him by the attitude of anger in which He appears in His determination to inflict suffering. In 12a the accentuation leaves it undefined whether יהוה as subject belongs to the relative or to the principal clause; the traditional succession of accents, certified also by Ben Bileam, is כי את אשׁר יאהב יהוה, for this passage belongs to the few in which more than three servants (viz., Mahpach, Mercha, and three Munachs) go before the Athnach. (Note: Vid., Torath Emeth, p. 19; Accentuationssystem, vi. 6; the differences between Ben-Asher and Ben-Naphtali in the Appendixes to Biblia Rabbinica; Dachselt's Biblia Accentuata, and Pinner's Prospectus, p. 91 (Odessa, 1845).) The further peculiarity is here to be observed, that את, although without the Makkeph, retains its Segol, besides here only in Psa 47:5; Psa 60:2. 12b is to be interpreted thus (cf. Pro 9:5): "and (that) as a father the son, whom he loves." The ו is explanatory, as Sa1 28:3 (Gesenius, 155, 1a), and ירצה (which one may supplement by אתו or בּו) is a defining clause having the force of a clause with אשׁר. The translation et ut pater qui filio bene cupit, is syntactically (cf. Isa 40:11) and accentually (vid., 13b) not less admissible, but translating "and as a father he holds his son dear," or with Hitzig (after Jer 31:10, a passage not quite syntactically the same), "and holds him dear, as a father his son" (which Zckler without syntactical authority prefers on account of the 2nd modus, cf. e.g., Psa 51:18), does not seem a right parallel clause, since the giving of correction is the chief point, and the love only the accompanying consideration (Pro 13:24). According to our interpretation, יוכיח is to be carried forward in the mind from 12a. The lxx find the parallel word in יכאב, for they translate μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν, ὃν παραδέχεται, and thus have read יכאב or ויכאב.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The true intent of afflictions considered; they do not contradict the assertion of the blessed state of the pious (Job 5:17; Heb 12:5-6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord,.... This seems to be introduced to prevent an objection that may be made to the above promise of plenty; seeing the children of God are often afflicted in this world; even the wise and pious, and those that fear the Lord, and honour him; which is accounted for, and the reason of it given, in Pro 3:12. These words are cited in Heb 12:5, and are represented as an exhortation, spoken unto children, the children of God; by which it appears, that not any single person is meant by "my son"; and, as not here, so neither elsewhere in this book, where the same phrase is used. It is not to be limited to any son of Solomon's according to the flesh; nor to any person or persons, that applied to him for instruction, and were taught by him; nor to all the people of God in his time: but it has respect to the Jews in the times of the apostles; and even to all the children of God in all ages, who more or less endure afflictions, here called "the chastening of the Lord", because they are from him; whatever concern men or devils, or second causes, may have in them, they are originally from the Lord, either sent or suffered by him; they are indeed by his appointment, and are ordered, limited, and restrained by him, and are overruled for his glory and his people's good: they are not chastisements in a way of vindictive wrath and justice, which would be contrary to the satisfaction of Christ, the justice of God, his everlasting and unchangeable love, and to his word and oath; but they are in love; they are the chastisements of a father, in which he deals with them as with children; and uses them for the good discipline and instruction of them, as the word (r) here signifies; and therefore not to be "despised", or loathed and abhorred, as disagreeable food or physic be; or as if they were unnecessary and unprofitable, or unworthy of notice and regard; or as little, slight, and trifling things, without considering from whence they come and for what they are sent; but, on the contrary, should be regarded as useful and serviceable; see Job 5:17; neither be weary of his correction; "rebuke" or "reproof" (s); so in Heb 12:5; "when thou art rebuked of him", not in wrath and fury, but in love, as before. The same thing is meant by correction as chastening; and supposes a fault to be committed by him that is corrected, for God corrects none but for sin; and authority in the corrector, which he, as the Father of spirits, and as our covenant God and Father in Christ, has a right to do: he corrects by his Spirit, by his word, by his ministers, and by his providences, afflictive ones, which last is here meant; and it is always for good, at a proper time, and when necessary, in measure and with judgment: and of this the children should not be "weary", as grievous and intolerable; and especially should not be weary of their lives on account of it, in which sense the word is used in Gen 27:46 which has been the case of Job and others; but should bear it quietly and peaceably, and with patience, without fretting and murmuring; or should not "faint", as it is rendered in Heb 12:5; or sink under the weight, but cheerfully support under it. The two extremes, which men are apt to run into, are here guarded against; on the one hand, to make little or nothing of an affliction; to outbrave it, not to be affected with it, nor humble under the mighty hand of God; nor consider the rod, and him that has appointed it: and, on the other hand, to aggravate an affliction, as if no sorrow was like theirs, and to be quite dejected and overwhelmed with it. (r) "disciplinam", V. L. Cocceius, Schultens; "eruditionem", Junius & Tremellius. (s) "ad increpationem ejus", Tigurine version, Mercerus, Gejerus; "redargutionem ejus", Cocceius; "sub redargutione ejus", Schultens.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:11-12 The Lord’s discipline can take the form of hardships, disappointments, and frustrations (see Heb 12:4-6). Like a good father, God’s purpose is to make us wise, good, and happy.
Proverbs 3:11
Trust in the LORD with All Your Heart
10then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine. 11My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke; 12for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Truly Wealthy Man
By Keith Daniel4.1K1:16:29RichesPRO 3:11PRO 4:7PRO 22:6PRO 23:24PRO 23:26PRO 29:17HEB 12:6In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of discipline and godly parenting. He shares a personal story of witnessing a mother and her joyful son in the congregation, but later noticing the mother's bruised face and tears. The preacher warns against causing harm to one's own household through sinful behavior, as it will lead to poverty and destruction. He also mentions that a man can die with nothing left if he has destroyed everything in his life. The sermon highlights the need for godly discipline and being a positive influence on one's children.
Sailing on the High Seas of the Love of God
By J. Vernon McGee3.1K44:46JOB 5:17PRO 3:11MAT 8:23HEB 12:5In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a sculptor shaping a piece of art to illustrate how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. The Holy Spirit's goal is to conform us to be like Christ, and he uses the Word of God and correction to shape us. The preacher emphasizes the importance of courage in facing our sins and confessing them to God. He also highlights the need for conformity to Christ and the assurance that God is with us in times of trouble. The sermon references various Bible verses, including Psalm 23 and Matthew 8:23-26, to support these points.
(2006 Conference) 7. a Right Attitude to Correction
By Zac Poonen2.8K1:01:56PRO 3:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of receiving correction in a godly way, showcasing examples from the Bible where correction was necessary for growth and salvation. It highlights the need to humbly accept correction as a form of love and guidance, even when it may be strong or public. The speaker urges listeners to appreciate correction from God, family, and church leaders, recognizing it as a means to save souls and foster spiritual growth.
Rebuke of Couple in Audience (Clip)
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K01:26RebukePRO 3:11In this sermon, the speaker expresses his frustration with the lack of attention and reverence shown by the congregation during worship. He emphasizes that worship is not just about praying or praising, but also about truly connecting with God. The speaker shares an example of a brilliant man who would spend hours in silent worship, demonstrating the depth of devotion that should be present in worship. He admonishes the congregation for their behavior, reminding them that they are adults and should show respect in God's house.
Keeping the Heart #1
By John Flavel2.4K1:15:12PRO 3:11The sermon transcript discusses the importance of preparing and keeping the heart in a desirable spiritual frame. It emphasizes the need for frequent observation of the heart's condition and engaging in self-reflection. The transcript also highlights the need for diligence in keeping the heart during times of adversity and troubles. It warns about the dangers of being ensnared by temptations in a pleasant and prosperous condition, particularly for those who are rich. The sermon references biblical passages such as Proverbs 4:23 and Matthew 19:24 to support its teachings.
Two Really Big Principles: Utter Submission and All Glory to God
By Sandeep Poonen2.1K30:27PRO 3:11This sermon emphasizes the importance of being part of a spiritual family within the church, highlighting the concept of submission to God and leaders, the need to give God all the glory, and the significance of radical submission and rebuke as expressions of love. It stresses the value of allowing everyone, regardless of age or experience, to have a voice in the church as part of a loving and disciplined family.
The Lord's Chastening
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:03:00ChasteningPRO 3:11JER 48:11MAT 6:33HEB 12:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's will and recognizing Him as our heavenly Father. He uses the analogy of someone being beaten or scolded by a stranger versus their own father to illustrate the difference in reaction. The speaker explains that in our Christian life, God is the one orchestrating and ordering all the events and circumstances around us. These events and circumstances are like vessels that God uses to purify and transform us. The speaker also mentions the prophet Jeremiah and how God used a metaphor to reveal the answer to his question about why God's people suffered while the nations who didn't know God prospered. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to trust in God's plan and submit to His refining process.
The Man Behind the Message
By Keith Green1.3K1:23:20PRO 3:11This sermon reflects on the speaker's journey of understanding God's character, particularly His patience and kindness, and the realization of personal shortcomings in comparison to biblical figures. It emphasizes the importance of humility, teachability, and openness to correction in one's Christian walk. The speaker acknowledges the impact of encountering individuals who embody gentleness, love, and radical faith, challenging previous misconceptions about these qualities.
God Blessed Him There
By Charlie Orr1.3K54:13Blessing Of GodPRO 3:11In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of working as a preacher and the challenges he faced. He talks about how he was initially focused on preaching sermons from behind the pulpit, but realized that his actions and responses in everyday circumstances were equally important in representing Jesus. He shares a specific incident where he was assigned to work on a hay truck and how he changed his attitude towards the job, which led to a positive response from his coworkers. The preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God and allowing Him to have control over every aspect of our lives, even if it means sacrificing our own desires.
I Called and Ye Refused
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.1K22:55Refusing GodPRO 3:11In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Israelites and their journey to the promised land. He emphasizes the importance of belief and faith in God's promises. The preacher also highlights the need for personal conviction and surrender to God's will. He warns against the dangers of disobedience and the consequences of not fully trusting in God. The sermon concludes with a reminder to prioritize relationships and to live out our faith in all aspects of life.
God’s Favorites
By Basilea Schlink66104:35Radio ShowPRO 3:11In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about a friend who was hesitant to surrender her life to Jesus because she feared losing her husband. However, the Heavenly Father had a plan to bring her up and prepare her for heaven. The speaker emphasizes that God loves us as a good father loves his children and is willing to go through any pain and effort to help us grow. The sermon encourages gratitude for God's discipline and teaching, acknowledging that suffering and distress are part of the pathway to blessings.
Parenting: Raising Up Godly Leaders
By Shane Idleman141:01:30ParentingSpiritual LeadershipPSA 139:23PRO 3:11PRO 4:1PRO 13:24PRO 22:6PRO 22:15PRO 23:13MAT 11:28JHN 14:1COL 3:21Shane Idleman emphasizes the vital role of parenting in raising godly leaders, asserting that everyone influences someone, regardless of their parental status. He encourages listeners to embrace their roles as spiritual leaders, make tough decisions, and discipline their children with love and intention. Idleman highlights the importance of perseverance in parenting, leading by example, and the necessity of prayer in nurturing a godly family. He reassures those who feel regret about past parenting choices that God can restore and redeem their influence. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to prioritize spiritual growth and character development in the home.
The Lord Bless and Keep You
By David Wilkerson0God's LoveDivine DisciplinePRO 3:11David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound love and delight God has for His children, encouraging believers to understand that even in times of testing and discipline, they are cherished by the Lord. He reassures that God's correction is a sign of His love, urging listeners to embrace this truth to find peace and assurance in their circumstances. Wilkerson highlights that recognizing God's love leads to the understanding that all things are working together for their good.
He Was Still A-Pointing at the Toads in Their Bosoms
By Thomas Brooks0SinDivine CorrectionPRO 3:11HEB 12:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific sin that God corrects us for, suggesting that the sin we are most reluctant to confront is often the one God aims to subdue through His discipline. He encourages believers to reflect on their 'right-hand sin'—the sin they hold dear and resist letting go of. Brooks illustrates this by referencing the anger of the scribes and Pharisees towards Christ, who pointed out their pride and hypocrisy. He warns that a Christian who reacts negatively to righteous reproof is in a poor spiritual state, and he urges believers to heed the lessons of God's rod, which often highlights the very sins we wish to avoid addressing.
He Who Has Deserved a Hanging
By Thomas Brooks0Divine JusticeMercy and DisciplinePSA 94:12PRO 3:11LAM 3:39ROM 6:23HEB 12:6Thomas Brooks emphasizes the concept of divine justice, arguing that those who have sinned and deserve punishment should not complain when they face consequences. He uses the analogy of a person deserving a hanging who should not blame the judge for cruelty if they only receive a lesser punishment. Similarly, he points out that we, who deserve condemnation, should not accuse God of harshness when we experience discipline instead of ultimate judgment. This perspective encourages humility and gratitude for God's mercy in our lives.
When He Shows No Anger!
By Thomas Brooks0God's DisciplineLove and CorrectionPRO 3:11HEB 12:6REV 3:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's discipline is a sign of His love, as seen in Hebrews 12:6, where it states that the Lord disciplines those He loves. He warns that the absence of correction indicates God's wrath and a path toward destruction, suggesting that those who are not disciplined are in grave danger. Brooks asserts that true anger from God is revealed in His silence and lack of correction, urging believers to reflect on their lives and accept God's rebuke as a sign of His care. The sermon calls for a serious meditation on God's discipline and the importance of being receptive to His guidance.
When Munster Lay Sick
By Thomas Brooks0Affliction as LoveDivine DisciplinePSA 119:71PRO 3:11HEB 12:6REV 3:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes that divine discipline is a sign of God's love, illustrating this through the experience of Munster, who viewed his afflictions as precious jewels bestowed by God. He highlights that all afflictions faced by believers are ultimately rooted in God's love and serve a purpose in their spiritual growth. Munster's perspective on his suffering reflects a deep understanding of the value of trials, echoing the sentiment that afflictions can lead to greater spiritual maturity. Brooks encourages Christians to embrace their hardships, recognizing them as opportunities for divine refinement.
And All the Children of Israel Murmured
By C.H. Spurgeon0Acceptance of TrialsChasteningPRO 3:11HEB 12:6C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of murmuring among Christians, drawing parallels to the Israelites in the wilderness. He emphasizes that believers often question God's afflictions, forgetting their past rebellion and the grace they have received. Spurgeon encourages self-reflection on one's sins and the necessity of God's discipline, reminding that all corrections are rooted in love and aimed at spiritual growth. He warns that murmuring against God's chastening can lead to further suffering, urging believers to accept their trials with a submissive heart. Ultimately, he reassures that God's discipline is a sign of His love and a means to draw us closer to Him.
The Lukewarm Laodiceans
By Phil Beach Jr.0PRO 3:11ISA 61:10MAT 6:19REV 3:14REV 3:19Phil Beach Jr. preaches a sobering message on the lukewarm church in Laodicea, emphasizing the dangerous state of being spiritually indifferent and self-sufficient, which makes Jesus sick to the point of rejection. He highlights the importance of heeding Christ's rebuke, repenting zealously, and seeking true spiritual wealth, righteousness, and vision that only come from Jesus. The sermon underscores the need to listen to Christ's counsel, acknowledge our true spiritual condition, and respond with sincere repentance and a desire for renewed fellowship with the Lord.
Divine Chastening
By James Smith0DEU 8:5JOB 5:17PSA 94:12PSA 119:67PRO 3:11PRO 13:241CO 11:32HEB 12:6HEB 12:10REV 3:19James Smith preaches on the loving discipline of God towards His children, emphasizing that believers are chastened out of love, not punishment, as they are under grace, not the law. God corrects His children for their willfulness, negligence, inattention, rebellions, and worldliness, all to form their character and draw them closer to Him. The Lord chastens His children through various means, such as frowning upon the soul, refusing to answer prayer, leaving them to themselves in ordinances, and through the dispensations of Providence, always with the intention of benefiting them and leading them to holiness.
Exposition on Psalm 38
By St. Augustine0PRO 3:11ISA 53:7MAT 5:4MAT 27:461CO 3:15St. Augustine preaches about the deep sorrow and mourning of the Psalmist as he reflects on the Sabbath, symbolizing rest and peace. The Psalmist's groaning and tears reveal a longing for the Sabbath rest, representing a mourner seeking solace. Despite the Psalmist's suffering and the enemies' wrongful actions, he remains focused on confessing his sins and pursuing righteousness. The Psalmist's plea for God's presence and salvation reflects the ultimate hope for eternal rest and redemption in God.
How a Desolate Person Ought to Commit Himself Into the Hands of God
By Thomas a Kempis0PSA 119:71PRO 3:11HEB 12:6JAS 4:101PE 5:6Thomas a Kempis preaches about the disciple's journey of humility, suffering, and surrender to God's will. He acknowledges the challenges and sorrows faced in the world, emphasizing the importance of learning from God's discipline and seeking consolation in Him alone. The disciple is encouraged to embrace trials and tribulations as opportunities for spiritual growth, trusting in God's providence and wisdom to guide their path towards humility and obedience.
Day 93, 1 Corinthians 11
By David Servant0PRO 3:111CO 11:271CO 11:32EPH 5:23EPH 5:33David Servant discusses the importance of understanding the underlying spiritual principles behind Paul's words on women's head coverings, emphasizing the significance of honoring one's spouse above mere symbols. He highlights the need for wives to always honor their husbands, as instructed in Scripture. Additionally, he delves into the proper observance of the Lord's Supper, emphasizing the importance of waiting for one another, self-examination, and avoiding selfish behaviors that detract from the sacredness of the meal.
So Glad for Guilt
By David Servant0PSA 51:17PSA 139:23PRO 3:11MAT 5:4ROM 2:142CO 7:102CO 13:5David Servant delves into the topic of guilt, emphasizing its universal nature and divine origin as God's moral law written in every heart. He discusses common ways people try to deal with guilt, such as finding fault with guilt-purveyors, self-justification, and rejecting guilt-inducing messages using theological justifications. David highlights the importance of recognizing guilt as God's reproof, leading to confession, repentance, and spiritual growth. He contrasts the wise acceptance of guilt for growth with the foolish rejection of God's reproof, encouraging believers to embrace guilt as a catalyst for positive change.
Of Bearing the Cross
By John Calvin0PRO 3:11MAT 16:24JHN 16:20ACT 14:221CO 11:322CO 4:81TI 4:10HEB 5:81PE 4:11John Calvin preaches about the necessity and dignity of bearing the cross, emphasizing the hardships and trials that believers must endure as part of their journey with Christ. He highlights the importance of fellowship with Christ in suffering, the need for humility, and the training in obedience that comes through afflictions. Calvin explains how the cross works to refine believers, exposing weaknesses, deepening faith, and strengthening hope. He encourages believers to endure persecution for righteousness' sake, finding honor in suffering for God's cause and trusting in His provision and salvation.
- Keil-Delitzsch
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
The contrast here follows. As God should not be forgotten in days of prosperity, so one should not suffer himself to be estranged from Him by days of adversity. 11 The school of Jahve, my son, despise thou not, Nor loathe thou His correction; 12 For Jahve correcteth him whom He loveth, And that as a father his son whom he loveth Vid., the original passage Job 5:17. There is not for the Book of Job a more suitable motto than this tetrastich, which expresses its fundamental thought, that there is a being chastened and tried by suffering which has as its motive the love of God, and which does not exclude sonship. (Note: Here Procop. rightly distinguishes between παιδεία and τιμωρία.) One may say that Pro 3:11 expresses the problem of the Book of Job, and Pro 3:12 its solution. מוּסר, παιδεία, we have translated "school," for יסּר, παιδεύειν, means in reality to take one into school. Ahndung [punishment] or Rge [reproof] is the German word which most corresponds to the Hebr. תּוכחה or תּוכחת. קוּץ ב (whence here the prohibitive תּקץ with אל) means to experience loathing (disgust) at anything, or aversion (vexation) toward anything. The lxx (cited Heb 12:5.), μηδὲ ἐκλύου, nor be faint-hearted, which joins in to the general thought, that we should not be frightened away from God, or let ourselves be estranged from Him by the attitude of anger in which He appears in His determination to inflict suffering. In 12a the accentuation leaves it undefined whether יהוה as subject belongs to the relative or to the principal clause; the traditional succession of accents, certified also by Ben Bileam, is כי את אשׁר יאהב יהוה, for this passage belongs to the few in which more than three servants (viz., Mahpach, Mercha, and three Munachs) go before the Athnach. (Note: Vid., Torath Emeth, p. 19; Accentuationssystem, vi. 6; the differences between Ben-Asher and Ben-Naphtali in the Appendixes to Biblia Rabbinica; Dachselt's Biblia Accentuata, and Pinner's Prospectus, p. 91 (Odessa, 1845).) The further peculiarity is here to be observed, that את, although without the Makkeph, retains its Segol, besides here only in Psa 47:5; Psa 60:2. 12b is to be interpreted thus (cf. Pro 9:5): "and (that) as a father the son, whom he loves." The ו is explanatory, as Sa1 28:3 (Gesenius, 155, 1a), and ירצה (which one may supplement by אתו or בּו) is a defining clause having the force of a clause with אשׁר. The translation et ut pater qui filio bene cupit, is syntactically (cf. Isa 40:11) and accentually (vid., 13b) not less admissible, but translating "and as a father he holds his son dear," or with Hitzig (after Jer 31:10, a passage not quite syntactically the same), "and holds him dear, as a father his son" (which Zckler without syntactical authority prefers on account of the 2nd modus, cf. e.g., Psa 51:18), does not seem a right parallel clause, since the giving of correction is the chief point, and the love only the accompanying consideration (Pro 13:24). According to our interpretation, יוכיח is to be carried forward in the mind from 12a. The lxx find the parallel word in יכאב, for they translate μαστιγοῖ δὲ πάντα υἱὸν, ὃν παραδέχεται, and thus have read יכאב or ויכאב.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
The true intent of afflictions considered; they do not contradict the assertion of the blessed state of the pious (Job 5:17; Heb 12:5-6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord,.... This seems to be introduced to prevent an objection that may be made to the above promise of plenty; seeing the children of God are often afflicted in this world; even the wise and pious, and those that fear the Lord, and honour him; which is accounted for, and the reason of it given, in Pro 3:12. These words are cited in Heb 12:5, and are represented as an exhortation, spoken unto children, the children of God; by which it appears, that not any single person is meant by "my son"; and, as not here, so neither elsewhere in this book, where the same phrase is used. It is not to be limited to any son of Solomon's according to the flesh; nor to any person or persons, that applied to him for instruction, and were taught by him; nor to all the people of God in his time: but it has respect to the Jews in the times of the apostles; and even to all the children of God in all ages, who more or less endure afflictions, here called "the chastening of the Lord", because they are from him; whatever concern men or devils, or second causes, may have in them, they are originally from the Lord, either sent or suffered by him; they are indeed by his appointment, and are ordered, limited, and restrained by him, and are overruled for his glory and his people's good: they are not chastisements in a way of vindictive wrath and justice, which would be contrary to the satisfaction of Christ, the justice of God, his everlasting and unchangeable love, and to his word and oath; but they are in love; they are the chastisements of a father, in which he deals with them as with children; and uses them for the good discipline and instruction of them, as the word (r) here signifies; and therefore not to be "despised", or loathed and abhorred, as disagreeable food or physic be; or as if they were unnecessary and unprofitable, or unworthy of notice and regard; or as little, slight, and trifling things, without considering from whence they come and for what they are sent; but, on the contrary, should be regarded as useful and serviceable; see Job 5:17; neither be weary of his correction; "rebuke" or "reproof" (s); so in Heb 12:5; "when thou art rebuked of him", not in wrath and fury, but in love, as before. The same thing is meant by correction as chastening; and supposes a fault to be committed by him that is corrected, for God corrects none but for sin; and authority in the corrector, which he, as the Father of spirits, and as our covenant God and Father in Christ, has a right to do: he corrects by his Spirit, by his word, by his ministers, and by his providences, afflictive ones, which last is here meant; and it is always for good, at a proper time, and when necessary, in measure and with judgment: and of this the children should not be "weary", as grievous and intolerable; and especially should not be weary of their lives on account of it, in which sense the word is used in Gen 27:46 which has been the case of Job and others; but should bear it quietly and peaceably, and with patience, without fretting and murmuring; or should not "faint", as it is rendered in Heb 12:5; or sink under the weight, but cheerfully support under it. The two extremes, which men are apt to run into, are here guarded against; on the one hand, to make little or nothing of an affliction; to outbrave it, not to be affected with it, nor humble under the mighty hand of God; nor consider the rod, and him that has appointed it: and, on the other hand, to aggravate an affliction, as if no sorrow was like theirs, and to be quite dejected and overwhelmed with it. (r) "disciplinam", V. L. Cocceius, Schultens; "eruditionem", Junius & Tremellius. (s) "ad increpationem ejus", Tigurine version, Mercerus, Gejerus; "redargutionem ejus", Cocceius; "sub redargutione ejus", Schultens.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:11-12 The Lord’s discipline can take the form of hardships, disappointments, and frustrations (see Heb 12:4-6). Like a good father, God’s purpose is to make us wise, good, and happy.