“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1-3, NASB)

Today’s reading reminded me to develop a love for discipline. In modern culture, the word “discipline” often carries a negative feeling. We associate it with punishment or restrictions. We especially shrug it off in Western society, as we value independence and do not want others telling us what to do or not to do. However, a disciplined life enables one to develop oneself through training, correction, and sharpening. It is through discipline that an athlete, musician, or writer can develop and excel in their field. Scripture reminds us that God disciplines His people so they may grow in faith, become more like His Son, and share in His holiness. In today’s reading, we see Solomon sharing this important concept about God’s discipline and how we should positively respond to it. It says,

“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. A good man will obtain favor from the LORD, but He will condemn a man who devises evil. A man will not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous will not be moved.”

In these few verses, the Holy Spirit prompts us to love a disciplined life with God. At its core, it reveals a radical idea that the quality of our life is often determined by how we relate to correction. Our natural human instinct is to shrink away or become angry when our flaws are pointed out. No one likes to be told that they are wrong. I certainly don’t like it. However, the Bible says that we have all been born in trespasses and sins, and that we are prone to evil thinking and choosing the wicked paths.

For this reason, God gave us the Bible, which contains His commandments, examples of how He dealt with sinful people, and guidance on how we can become holy through the power of the cross and with the help of the Holy Spirit. Hebrews 12:5-6 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.” I love this passage! For us as believers, discipline in life is proof that God is near us and that He loves us as His children. God does not discipline those He is indifferent toward, but disciplines those He calls His own. Do you go around disciplining every child you see? No. You will seek to correct, rebuke, or scold your own children because you want to see them raised right. You don’t do this for other children because they are not your own. Discipline from God shows that we belong to Him and that He loves us. For this reason, Solomon encourages us to “love discipline” because when we do, we will “obtain favor from the LORD” and will be rooted and “will not be moved.”

Hebrews 12:9-11 says, “We had earthly fathers to discipline us, and we respected them; shall we not much rather be subject to the Father of spirits, and live? For they disciplined us for a short time as seemed best to them, but He disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness. All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Yes, the Bible even acknowledges that discipline is painful and not fun, but those who love it and accept it will experience growth. One of the main benefits of discipline is that we will “share His holiness” and yield the “peaceful fruit of righteousness.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” In these verses, it reveals another reason why God wants to discipline us: to train and equip us for “good work.” In other words, God wants to sharpen us as instruments of righteousness for His kingdom, that is, to sharpen our characters, our gifts and abilities, and our speech so He can use us. Develop a love for discipline, for it will make you a better servant of God.

• What link is Solomon making between discipline and a life that pleases God?
• How do you respond to discipline, and how can you develop a more teachable attitude?