“My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of His correction.”—Proverbs 3:11.
Interpretation.—The word “chastening” here is derived from a Hebrew verb, which means “to take one into school.” God’s house of correction is His school of instruction. We are cautioned on the one hand not to “despise,” on the other hand not to “weary of” or “loathe” punishment at God’s hand. And a sufficient reason is given in the next verse. It is a proof that God loves us as a Father, nay, that He “delights in” us as sons.
Illustrations.—This sentiment would seem to have been taken from the lips of Job (Job 5:17). And indeed it aptly expresses both the problem of the Book of Job and its solution. For why was that good man so sorely afflicted, but to teach him self-knowledge, and to set before the Church an example of God’s dealings with His children? Job lived to acknowledge the blessing of the rod by abhorring his own self-righteousness. How many since his day have learnt the same or other good lessons through being chastened—to return from the ways of sin with David (Ps. 119:67), to own the sufficiency of God’s grace with St. Paul (2 Cor. 12:7–9), to say with the Holy Jesus, “Thy will be done.”
Application.—Trouble of one kind or another is the lot of man. But sanctified trouble is the portion of the people of God. As a Christian, why should I complain of or be surprised at any affliction which may befall me? Ought I not rather to rejoice in it? Or, if this be too hard at first, at least let me acquiesce without murmuring, and try to derive the good from it which is intended me. If brought directly upon myself by my own folly or wrong-doing, its lesson is too plain to be missed. If sent immediately from God, He will teach its lesson to my obedient ear. Let me be sure that all punishment has its lesson, and will only prove a blessing in proportion as that is learnt. Some will advise me to “pass it off” by diversion or company. Others will try to harden me against it, as though it were unjust and intolerable. My own heart will be very prone to rebel.
But oh, may I be enabled to see in it a Father’s hand, to kiss and “hear the rod,” and, learning all its lessons, to rejoice in it at the last!
Pearson, C. R. (1880). Counsels of the Wise King; or, Proverbs of Solomon Applied to Daily Life (Vol. 1, p. 17). W. Skeffington & Son. (Public Domain)
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