The Lord reproves him whom he loves. – Proverbs 3:12
No one likes to be told what they are doing wrong, yet it’s necessary to be able to learn what is right. And shouldn’t that be the aim for everyone? Parents repeat instructions to small children so often, they are tempted to record their voices saying, “Buckle up! Brush your teeth before you go to bed! Don’t tease your sister!” And there are times when punishment is required to get the point across. It’s all done in love. Good parents desire what is best for their children.
God is a good Father. Today’s verse says that God reproves whom He loves. Although God’s correction may seem rough, at times, (especially looking at the Old Testament), He is love (1 John 4:8). Anything He does to correct His people is for their own good, to do the right thing for His purpose, and to deepen their relationship with Him. The writer of the book of Hebrews quotes today’s verse in his exhortation about God’s discipline.
Though things may not be going well, your aim should always be to love the Lord in all ways possible and love your neighbors as yourself. (Matthew 22:37-39). Pray for the nation to be unified and healed from all its wounds received in these volatile times. “We do not make requests of you because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy. O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, hear and act! For your sake, O my God, do not delay, because your city and your people bear your Name” (Daniel 2:18-19 NKJV).
Today’s Verse: Proverbs 3:12
for the Lord reproves him whom he loves,
as a father the son in whom he delights.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Hebrews 12:4-13
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons?
“My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord,
nor be weary when reproved by him.
6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
and chastises every son whom he receives.”
7 It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline? 8 If you are left without discipline, in which all have participated, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Besides this, we have had earthly fathers who disciplined us and we respected them. Shall we not much more be subject to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
12 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
