Do not despise the Lord’s discipline
Proverbs 3:11-12 - “No matter how much the experience hurts us, it will never harm us, because God always chastens in love.” - Warren Wiersbe
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“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
Ahhh, the wisdom of Solomon! My fondness for Proverbs increases every time God points me to this book for study and contemplation.
While the proverb begins by addressing “My son”, this is targeted at all believers — male and female. In the ancient society of Israel, this phrase suggested a mentoring relationship, as in a father passing wisdom to his son. Wisdom and religious instruction were passed along within the family unit, so it wouldn’t be at all out of character for a father to tell his son (or a mother her daughter) to not be angry at the Lord when He hands out discipline.
It’s also helpful to remember that we call God our Father, as seen throughout the Bible. As examples, take a quick look at Deuteronomy 1:31 (“you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son…” or just remember The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:7 - “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…”.
The father here tells his son to “not despise the Lord’s discipline”. The Ancient Hebrew word used here is מוּסָר (mûsār), which is defined not only as discipline but also as correction. Gods discipline isn’t a punishment, but aimed as a “course correction” to guide believers toward righteousness.
I found it fascinating that Paul quotes this proverb verbatim in Hebrews 12:5-6, and he goes on in verses 7-9 to explain the benefit of discipline:
“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!”
The proverb also tells the son to “not resent his rebuke”. Once again looking at the Hebrew word used here - תּוֹכֵחָה (tôḵēḥâ) - the definition is that of a verbal correction or reprimand. In the culture of the time, rebuke was commonly used as a method of instruction, to align a believer with God’s will. To be transformed by God’s guidance, believers must remain humble and open to that guidance.
In conclusion, we are then reminded that “the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.” Looking back on childhood, I recall resenting my father’s rebukes at the time… but now I realize that they were made out of love and his genuine hope that I would be a good person.
David Guzik explained this in his Enduring Word commentary on these verses, saying
“i. A father who truly loves his children will correct them appropriately. For a father to leave sins and failings uncorrected is not a sign of love; it is a sign of indifference and the selfish disregard that often accompanies indifference.”
Warren Wiersbe, cited in the same commentary:
iii. “Sometimes He chastens because we have rebelled and need to repent; other times He chastens to keep us from sinning and to prepare us for His special blessing. No matter how much the experience hurts us, it will never harm us, because God always chastens in love.”1
When the Holy Spirit gives you a nudge that something you’re doing is not going to please God, don’t get angry or upset — just realize that Our Father loves us!
Heaven On Wheels Daily Prayer:
Father in Heaven, thank You that You rebuke me in Your love so that I will grow in grace. Teach me to understand and welcome Your correction, and never grow tired of learning how to please You more. I pray this in the name of Jesus, AMEN.
Scripture quotations taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica US, Inc.®. Used by permission.
Commentary quotations from Enduring Word are used with the written permission of the author
BibleHub was accessed on September 2, 2025 for commentary on Proverbs 3:11-12
Wiersbe, Warren W. "Be Skillful (Proverbs): God's Guidebook to Wise Living" (The BE Series Commentary) (Wheaton, Illinois: Victor Books, 1995)