Meaning and Purpose of Discipline
Proverbs 3:11–12
The third section is formally like the second. It is cited in Heb 12:5–6. While the idea of punishment is certainly present (cf. Job 5:17–18 and 2 Sam 7:14), “discipline” primarily involves teaching or training rather than punishment for wrongdoing.53 It is analogous to military training, in which, although the threat of punishment is present, even stern discipline is not necessarily retribution for offenses. Hardship and correction are involved, however, which are always hard to accept.
A HYMN TO WISDOM (Pr. 3:13–18)
Pr. 3:13–18 This section is more a hymn than typical exhortation. It has none of the imperatives generally associated with exhortation. It personifies Wisdom,54 and its beginning (“Blessed …”) is elsewhere used in the instructional hymn.55 On the other hand, nothing suggests that it does not belong with the present text. In context it supports the general exhortation to pursue Wisdom.56
The hymn is formally structured as an inclusion with “blessed” marking both its beginning and ending.57 It includes an introductory beatitude (v. Pr. 3:13) and assertions of the high value of Wisdom (vv. Pr. 3:14–15), and it promises other benefits (vv. Pr. 3:16–18). In effect, vv. Pr. 3:14–18 are arguments to prove the validity of v. Pr. 3:13.
Garrett, Duane A. Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs. Vol. 14. Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1993. Print. The New American Commentary.
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