Proverbs 3:11-12
“My son, do not reject the discipline of Yahweh or loathe His reproof, for whom Yahweh loves He reproves, even as a father reproves the son in whom he delights.”
When we were a kid, it was hard for us to comprehend why discipline is important. Sometimes we do not even hear the word “discipline” from our parents or guardian when they execute it on us. And when we get old, “discipline” is hard to understand at least from a spiritual perspective especially when God is the one who’s doing it to us.
Here we can that the father is reminding his son about Yahweh’s discipline, what response he should make when it occurs in his life, and the reason to accept it.
Yahweh’s discipline comes in many forms. It can be a verbal rebuke from His word, through people we know, and we do not know. Like preaching and teaching and a conversation. It can also be the conviction of the Holy Spirit in us, the guilt, and the remorse for hurting and disobeying God. It can be a worse kind of discipline or punishment like sickness, calamity or loss of loved ones, or anything that we deem important. Just look at the chosen people and His church.
We cannot be so certain about how God will discipline His children, only God knows how to do it best. We need discernment to understand it better. The rule of thumb is the “consequence of our sins.”
The difference between God’s wrath and God’s discipline is that His wrath is meant to put us in hell while His discipline is intended to preserve and save us from sin. Therefore, we should not “reject” and “loathe” Yahweh’s reproof and discipline. Do not “I don’t want it, LORD, it’s awful,” or say, “I do not need your discipline, LORD.” Saying these is like saying NO to medicine that can cure our sickness.
Yahweh’s correction to us is a sign of His love and care for us. The mere fact that He pinched us with His righteous arm is like saying to us “Do not it my child it will harm you.” It may look like He’s a terror Father, but in reality, it is quite opposite. Since we are naturally stubborn, that painful prick to the heart is His way to remind us to pay attention to His Word and will.
If we love God, we will accept and embrace His discipline and reproof. It is the sign that we are His and our love for Him as our Father in Christ Jesus.