My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse isn't just about enduring hardship; it urges us to see God's discipline not as a sign of anger, but as a profound expression of His love, aimed at shaping us for His purposes. It warns against two extremes: dismissing discipline as unimportant or becoming so exhausted by it that we want to quit.
My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The author has been extolling the virtues and benefits of wisdom, promising prosperity and well-being to those who embrace it. However, knowing that life isn't always smooth sailing, he transitions to address the reality of hardship, explaining that God's discipline, though difficult, is a sign of love, not abandonment, and is intended for our ultimate good and growth.
When life throws curveballs, it's easy to feel like God is angry and distant. But what if His 'correction' is actually a sign of His deep affection?
The verse calls us not to 'despise' or 'be weary of' the Lord's discipline. Notice the specific words: 'despise' implies treating something as worthless or beneath notice. 'Be weary' suggests growing tired, irritable, or fed up.
The Heart of God's Discipline
When we face hardship, it's tempting to think God has abandoned us or is angry. But this verse, echoed in Hebrews 12, urges us to see discipline not as a sign of His displeasure, but as a vital part of His loving plan to shape us.
Is God's correction a harsh sentence or a hopeful intervention? Understanding its ultimate goal can change everything about how we face it.
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The words 'chastening' and 'correction' might sound severe, but their purpose is deeply restorative. Think about it: God doesn't want to destroy us; He wants to make us more like Himself.
Why God Corrects:
Understand the original words
ben · Hebrew Noun
A male child, often used in Proverbs as a pedagogical term representing a mentor addressing a pupil or a father addressing his child to convey wisdom and instruction.
musar · Hebrew Noun
The act of training, correction, or instruction, often involving trials or chastisement, intended to shape character and foster righteousness in the recipient.
tokhahath · Hebrew Noun
Correction or a sharp rebuke meant to expose wrongdoing, call to repentance, or provide necessary guidance for moral improvement.
This passage directly parallels Proverbs 3:11, stating 'Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the discipline of the Almighty,' highlighting the same theme of embracing God's correction.
Hebrews 12:5-6The New Testament author quotes Proverbs 3:11, emphasizing that God disciplines those He loves, just as a father disciplines his son, reinforcing the idea that discipline is a sign of love, not anger.
Psalm 119:71This psalm expresses a similar sentiment, 'It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I may learn your statutes,' showing the positive outcome of enduring hardship to grow in understanding God's ways.
Lamentations 3:27-29Here, Jeremiah reflects on hardship, saying, 'It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. Let him sit alone in silence when it is put on him; let him put his mouth in the dust—there may yet be hope. Let him give his cheek to the smiter and bear disgrace,' encouraging patience and humility during difficult times.
bensonProverbs 3:11: "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:"
Proverbs 3:11-12 . My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord — Either by making light of it, or not being duly affected with it, or by accounting it an unnecessary thing; but rather esteem it a privilege and favour from God. Neither be weary of his correction — Neither think it tedious or hard, but endure it with patience and cheerfulness. For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth — Affliction…
clarkeProverbs 3:11: "My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:"
Despise not the chastening of the Lord - The word מוסר musar signifies correction, discipline, and instruction. Teaching is essentially necessary to show the man the way in which he is to go; discipline is necessary to render that teaching effectual; and, often, correction is requisite in order to bring the mind into submission, without which it cannot acquire knowledge. Do not therefore reject…
The verse isn't just about enduring hardship; it urges us to see God's discipline not as a sign of anger, but as a profound expression of His love, aimed at shaping us for His purposes. It warns against two extremes: dismissing discipline as unimportant or becoming so exhausted by it that we want to quit.
The author has been extolling the virtues and benefits of wisdom, promising prosperity and well-being to those who embrace it. However, knowing that life isn't always smooth sailing, he transitions to address the reality of hardship, explaining that God's discipline, though difficult, is a sign of love, not abandonment, and is intended for our ultimate good and growth.
The author has been extolling the virtues and benefits of wisdom, promising prosperity and well-being to those who embrace it. However, knowing that life isn't always smooth sailing, he transitions to address the reality of hardship, explaining that God's discipline, though difficult, is a sign of love, not abandonment, and is intended for our ultimate good and growth.
"My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline or be weary of his reproof," — The verse isn't just about enduring hardship; it urges us to see God's discipline not as a sign of anger, but as a profound expression of His love, aimed at shaping us for His purposes. It warns agai…
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Last reviewed October 2026