#1299. Proverbs 3:11–12 – Accept the Lord’s discipline (3/7/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Jul 3
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional where we are continuing in our Wisdom for Life series from Proverbs.
Today, from Proverbs 3:11-12, we learn that God disciplines us because we are loved and for our good, and so, whilst not enjoying it, we must not despise it.
To watch this devotional, please select the link below.
‘My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.’ (Proverbs 3:11-12)
i. God disciplines us
Here, we are promised that, on occasion, God will discipline us. This is experienced as trials and sufferings that are designed to correct and grow us. This text is quoted in Hebrews, where we read:
‘In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?’ (Hebrews 12:4-7)
God’s discipline is described as His ‘rebuke’ and ’chastening’ and ‘hardship’. This, of course, is a challenge to us. Particularly, if we, or another, is struggling with difficulties and sufferings, this may be perplexing.
ii. Do not despise God’s discipline
Parental and God’s discipline are an act of love. However, like all children, we are urged not to ‘despise the Lord’s discipline’. We despise it if we teach that this cannot be the case— that a loving God doesn’t do such things. We can despise it by judging God and even rejecting Him in our trials. Finally, we are in danger of despising it by simply not responding to His discipline and so failing to learn what we need to learn.
iii. He disciplines us for our good
This, depending on our circumstances, can be a very difficult subject and so needs to be approached with care. However, it’s in God’s Word because it’s very important. Overarching all of our questions about this subject, we are to understand that in all the trials, God rules and is working for our good. He is working to develop our faith and character. Peter tells us about the result of ’suffering grief in all kinds of trials’:
‘These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (1 Peter 1:7)
God disciplines us because we are loved and for our good, and so, whilst not enjoying it, we must not despise it.
Let’s pray together
“Father, I thank you that, in love, you discipline me for my good. Help me to see your loving presence and purpose in all the trials of my life. I pray for those who come to mind right now that, in their sufferings, they may know your love, experience deeper faith, and be delivered from their trials. Amen”
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
For your diary: Our next weekend away will be 19th-21st June 2026!!
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Balanced Time Allocation - Please ensure a balanced focus on discussion, SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite), and prayer so that each section is meaningful and fruitful.
Week #4: Proverbs 3:5-15. Trust in the Lord with all your heart.
1. What themes stand out in this week’s section? Identify key ideas and repeated patterns. What is the focus of this section?
2. What promises does God offer, and what warnings does He give? Look for specific encouragements, blessings, or cautions in the text.
3. How does this speak into our lives today? What are the practical ways we could live this out — individually, in our families, in our community?
4. How is God calling you to respond? Consider what this means for your heart, your choices, and your direction.
5. SIV (Serve, Invest, and Invite)
How might the wisdom in this week's section of Proverbs help us to be a light for Jesus?
Have you had any recent opportunities to Serve, Invest in, or Invite someone toward Jesus? Let’s encourage one another by sharing testimonies of God at work through us.
6. Let’s pray together:
Let’s pray for one another based on our study, and bring before God any other needs or requests for prayer.
Pray for one another's SIV opportunities and boldness in following the Spirit's promptings.
Pray specifically for the 'people of peace' in our lives—asking God to open hearts and provide opportunities to speak life and truth.
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