Proverbs 3:11

KJV

My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:

KJV (with Strong's)

My son {H1121}, despise {H3988} not the chastening {H4148} of the LORD {H3068}; neither be weary {H6973} of his correction {H8433}:

Complete Jewish Bible

My son, don't despise ADONAI's discipline or resent his reproof;

Berean Standard Bible

My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD, and do not loathe His rebuke;

American Standard Version

My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Proverbs 3:11 presents a foundational exhortation from a father figure, urging his "son" not to scorn or grow weary under the Lord's divine discipline. This verse frames God's corrective actions not as arbitrary punishment but as a loving, purposeful act akin to a wise parent guiding a beloved child. It underscores that divine chastening is intended for the believer's spiritual growth, refinement, and ultimate good, calling for a posture of humility, endurance, and unwavering trust in God's benevolent intentions amidst life's trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Proverbs 3:11 is situated within a broader paternal discourse in [Proverbs chapter 3](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - Exhortations to Wisdom and Trust"), which serves as an extended sermon on the profound blessings derived from wisdom and absolute trust in the Lord. The preceding verses, such as [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart"), lay the groundwork by emphasizing complete reliance on God's understanding rather than one's own. Following this, [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9-10 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with Your Wealth") encourages honoring God with one's material possessions, promising blessing in return. Subsequent verses, like [Proverbs 3:13-18](/proverbs/3-13-18 "Proverbs 3:13-18 - The Blessings of Wisdom Personified"), continue to extol the incomparable value of wisdom, portraying it as more precious than jewels and the true source of long life, riches, and honor. Within this flow, divine discipline is presented as an indispensable component of the path to true wisdom and blessed living, a necessary means by which those who seek to walk in God's ways are refined and guided.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Proverbs originates from the ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, deeply rooted in Israelite society where the family unit, particularly the father-son relationship, was the primary conduit for transmitting moral, ethical, and theological instruction. Education was predominantly oral and experiential, with elders imparting practical wisdom essential for navigating life righteously within the community. In this cultural framework, discipline, or "chastening," was not merely accepted but was considered an indispensable aspect of responsible and loving parenting. It was viewed as a formative act designed to shape character, instill moral values, and prepare a child for a flourishing life. This deeply ingrained cultural understanding of parental discipline provides the essential backdrop for comprehending God's relationship with His covenant people. His correction is thus understood as a profound sign of His covenantal love and unwavering commitment to their well-being, guiding them away from folly and toward the path of life and righteousness.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Proverbs chapter 3](/proverbs/3 "Proverbs 3 - Exhortations to Wisdom and Trust") is the urgent call to live a life profoundly rooted in trust in the Lord and unwavering obedience to His divine wisdom. Proverbs 3:11 specifically contributes to the theme of **Divine Discipline as an Expression of Love**, asserting that God's interventions, even when they involve discomfort or pain, are not punitive acts of an angry deity but rather profound expressions of His fatherly affection and unwavering commitment to His children's spiritual maturity. It also powerfully underscores the theme of **Humility and Endurance in Trials**, admonishing against two common and destructive negative responses to hardship: contempt (despising God's hand) and despair (growing weary under His discipline). Instead, the verse encourages a resilient and trusting faith that perceives God's sovereign hand in all circumstances, trusting that His ultimate purposes are always good, even when His methods are difficult. This perspective aligns seamlessly with broader biblical teachings that trials, when endured with faith, produce perseverance, character, and hope, as powerfully articulated in passages like [Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3-4 "Romans 5:3-4 - Suffering Produces Perseverance and Character") and [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - Joy in Trials and the Work of Perseverance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **son (Hebrew, _bên'_):** From H1121, meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In this context, "my son" signifies the intimate, familial relationship between the divine instructor (the LORD) and the instructed. It highlights the tender, personal, and covenantal nature of the admonition, emphasizing that the discipline comes from a place of parental care and profound love, not from a distant, indifferent, or punitive authority.
* **despise (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From H3988, meaning "to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person." This word denotes an attitude of profound contempt, treating God's discipline as worthless, irrelevant, or even offensive. It represents a spiritual arrogance or a failure to recognize God's sovereignty, wisdom, and benevolent intent in one's life, amounting to a rejection of His loving guidance.
* **chastening (Hebrew, _mûwçâr'_):** From H4148, meaning "properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint." This term encompasses far more than mere punishment; it speaks to the comprehensive process of moral training, education, and discipline. God's "chastening" is primarily instructional and formative, aimed at correcting behavior, shaping character, and imparting wisdom, much like a skilled teacher guides a student or a loving parent trains a child. It is a process designed for spiritual growth and maturity, not merely a punitive one.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD;":** This opening clause immediately establishes the intimate, paternal tone of the proverb, signaling a loving yet authoritative voice. The imperative "despise not" serves as a crucial warning against an attitude of contempt, scorn, or disdain towards God's discipline. It implores the recipient not to treat God's corrective actions lightly or with spiritual arrogance, but rather to receive them with seriousness, humility, and a recognition of their divine origin and beneficial intent. The "chastening of the LORD" refers to God's active, formative discipline, which includes instruction, training, and at times, painful correction, all aimed at the believer's good.
* **"neither be weary of his correction:":** This second clause functions in powerful parallel to the first, offering a complementary and equally vital warning. While the first clause addresses the initial attitude towards discipline, this clause addresses the essential endurance required during the process. "Be weary" speaks to losing heart, becoming discouraged, or succumbing to resignation under the weight of prolonged or intense divine correction. "His correction" refers to God's reproof, rebuke, or reasoned argument, which aims to guide the individual back to righteousness. The combined admonition is therefore comprehensive: neither reject God's discipline outright nor succumb to despair while undergoing it, but persevere with faith and a receptive heart.

#### Literary Devices
Proverbs 3:11 masterfully employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse ("neither be weary of his correction") largely reiterates and profoundly reinforces the meaning of the first half ("despise not the chastening of the LORD"). "Despise not" is paralleled by "neither be weary," and "chastening" by "correction," thereby emphasizing both the initial reception of discipline and the sustained endurance required. This repetition deepens the impact and memorability of the instruction. The verse also powerfully utilizes a **Parental Metaphor**, framing God's relationship with humanity in terms of a loving father and a beloved son ("My son"). This metaphor makes God's discipline profoundly relatable and underscores its benevolent, formative nature, clearly distinguishing it from arbitrary or punitive punishment. Furthermore, the strategic use of the **Imperative Mood** ("despise not," "be weary not") creates direct, authoritative commands, compelling the reader to immediate and serious consideration of the timeless wisdom offered.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Proverbs 3:11 offers a profound theological insight into the very nature of God's relationship with His people: His discipline is an undeniable and essential mark of His covenantal love and unwavering commitment. Far from being a sign of rejection or wrath, divine chastening is an active, purposeful intervention designed to refine character, correct errant paths, and lead believers into greater righteousness, holiness, and wisdom. It powerfully underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even those that bring discomfort or pain, assuring us that He is meticulously working all things for the ultimate good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This transformative perspective enables believers to reframe trials from mere obstacles into profound opportunities for spiritual growth, fostering a deeper, more resilient trust in God's perfect wisdom and His unwavering, steadfast love.

* [Job 5:17](/job/5-17 "The Blessing of God's Correction")
* [Deuteronomy 8:5](/deuteronomy/8-5 "God's Fatherly Discipline")
* [Hebrews 12:5-6](/hebrews/12-5-6 "God Disciplines Those He Loves")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Proverbs 3:11 provides a timeless and profoundly counter-intuitive perspective on life's inevitable difficulties for the believer. In a world that relentlessly seeks to avoid pain and discomfort at all costs, this proverb extends a radical invitation to reframe our understanding of suffering, viewing it as a potential, even probable, instrument of God's loving hand. When we encounter trials, setbacks, or even direct spiritual conviction from the Holy Spirit, our natural inclination might be to resent them, to grow bitter, or to simply give up in despair. However, this verse challenges us to consciously adopt a posture of profound humility and resilient perseverance, recognizing that God's discipline is not a sign of His displeasure but rather a clear testament to His active involvement in our lives, a powerful demonstration of His fervent desire for our holiness and spiritual maturity. Embracing this liberating truth allows us to move beyond mere endurance to a place of genuine spiritual growth, transforming moments of correction into invaluable opportunities for deeper intimacy with God and a more profound understanding of His perfect, sovereign will. It calls us to ask not "Why me?" in a spirit of complaint, but rather, "What are You teaching me, Lord, through this experience?" in a spirit of humble inquiry and receptivity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is my immediate emotional response when facing difficult circumstances or spiritual conviction? Do I tend to despise God's hand or grow weary under it?**
* **How does understanding God's discipline as an act of profound love and commitment fundamentally change my perspective on current or past struggles?**
* **In what specific area of my life might God be seeking to bring correction or instruction right now? How can I respond with humility, a teachable spirit, and a willingness to learn?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a spirit of endurance, trust, and even joy when I feel weary or overwhelmed under God's corrective hand?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "chastening" and "correction" in this verse?**

Answer: While often used interchangeably in English translations, the Hebrew words offer nuanced distinctions that enrich our understanding. "Chastening" (מוּסָר, _mûwçâr'_) primarily refers to instruction, training, and discipline, often with the overarching aim of moral education and character formation. It encompasses the comprehensive process of teaching us how to live righteously and wisely. "Correction" (תּוֹכֵחָה, _tôwkêchâh'_) emphasizes reproof, rebuke, or a reasoned argument. It is about God specifically pointing out error, confronting wrong behavior, and guiding an individual back to the right path through direct admonition. Both terms highlight God's loving and formative intent to shape His children, but "chastening" focuses on the overall training process, while "correction" highlights the specific act of rebuke or setting things right.

**Why would God "chasten" or "correct" someone He loves? Isn't love supposed to be gentle and always comfortable?**

Answer: The Bible consistently portrays God's love as both tender and profoundly transformative. Just as a good earthly parent disciplines a beloved child for their ultimate good, safety, and flourishing, so too does God discipline His children. [Hebrews 12:6](/hebrews/12-6 "God Disciplines Those He Loves") explicitly affirms this truth: "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." This divine discipline is not punitive in the sense of condemnation (for that was perfectly borne by Christ on the cross for believers), but rather it is formative and redemptive. It is designed to purify us, to develop our character, to draw us into deeper intimacy with Him, and to lead us away from destructive paths of sin and folly. It is a clear and undeniable sign of His active, caring, and intimately involved presence in our lives, demonstrating unequivocally that He values our holiness and spiritual maturity far more than our temporary comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Proverbs 3:11 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament concept of divine chastening prepared God's people for holiness and obedience, it is in Christ that we witness the perfect Son who endured the most severe chastening and correction imaginable, not for His own sin, but entirely for ours. He became the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of God's righteous wrath and the discipline that we justly deserved ([Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, believers are no longer under condemnation but are graciously adopted as beloved sons and daughters, thereby receiving God's discipline as loving instruction and fatherly guidance rather than punitive judgment ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation for Those in Christ")). Furthermore, Jesus Himself stands as the ultimate example of one who perfectly submitted to the Father's will, even unto the agonizing death on the cross, thereby demonstrating the profound humility, unwavering trust, and enduring perseverance that Proverbs 3:11 calls for ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience to Death")). As believers, we are exhorted to fix our eyes intently on Jesus, the [author and perfecter of our faith](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith"), who, for the joy set before Him, endured the cross, despising its shame. His example empowers us to likewise endure God's loving discipline with hope, knowing that it is part of His divine purpose to conform us to the glorious image of His Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 5:17

¶ Behold, happy [is] the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Revelation 3:19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Hebrews 12:5

And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

Hebrews 12:12

Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;

Psalms 94:12

¶ Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;

Isaiah 40:30

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

Isaiah 40:31

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; [and] they shall walk, and not faint.