My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
The apostle quotes this passage in his epistle to the Hebrews, and makes a beautiful comment upon it. Hebrews 12:5-11. It is blessed to be altogether patient and passive under chastisements. Not with sullenness to receive them, for this would argue a mind determined not to bow to the rod, neither with faintings to sink under them, for this would imply unbelief and distrust, as though the Lord had forgotten to be gracious; but to receive all as the chastisements of a kind and wise father, who cannot mistake the welfare of his children, and is ordering all things for their good. Jesus hath said; As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Revelation 3:19. They are chastisements, not vindictive punishments, not in a way of law judgment, for that hath been borne by Christ; but in a way of correction, to accomplish many blessed purposes in grace. Sweet thought, and ever to be kept alive in the heart.