The Lord's Discipline
The Lord's Discipline Proverbs 3:11 Proverbs 3:11 and 12 represent a change of topic by introducing the idea that those who “trust in the Lord” may experience pain or adversity. Some commentators suggest that this paragraph is placed here to correct the thought that might be taken from verses 5–10 that prosperity always comes to the person who honors the Lord. My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline: For My son see 1:8, 10. This form of address often marks the beginning of a new theme in the early part of Proverbs. Despise translates a word having nearly the same meaning as that used in 1:7 and 30. The learner is cautioned not to reject, refuse, or, as CEV says, “turn away.” In some languages this warning may be expressed as “Don’t throw it behind you.” Discipline renders a word used in 1:2, 3, 7, and 8, where RSV translates it as “instruction.” However, in the present verse it refers to correction, rebuke, or warning. The Lord’s discipline is the correction or r...