Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:11

What does Proverbs 3:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:11 means

This verse instructs the son to receive divine discipline not with resentment or weariness, but with a submissive and understanding heart. 'Chastening' refers to corrective training, and 'reproof' to a loving rebuke. It's a call to recognize God's hand in times of difficulty and correction, understanding that such experiences are not punitive or adversarial but rather designed for growth and spiritual refinement, even when they are arduous.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

My son, do not make your heart hard against the Lord's teaching; do not be made angry by his training:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Chastisement of Jehovah, my son, despise not, And be not vexed with His reproof,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

My son, reject not the correction of the Lord: and do not faint when thou art chastised by him:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

My son, despise not the instruction of Jehovah, neither be weary of his chastisement;

Context

This verse introduces a new, crucial topic: the proper response to divine discipline. It pivots from the positive rewards of obedience to the understanding of difficult experiences, offering a deeper insight into God's character. This instruction is vital for maintaining trust in the Lord even when circumstances are challenging, preparing the reader for the subsequent explanation of *why* God chastens those He loves.

v.10So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy vats shall overflow with new wine.

v.11This passage

v.12For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth, Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 24:10

    If thou faint in the day of adversity, Thy strength is small.

  • Job 5:17

    Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.

  • Psalms 94:12

    Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O Jehovah, And teachest out of thy law;

  • 1 Corinthians 11:32

    But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:16

    Wherefore we faint not; but though our outward man is decaying, yet our inward man is renewed day by day.

  • Hebrews 12:3

    For consider him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against himself, that ye wax not weary, fainting in your souls.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Proverbs 3

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Proverbs 3.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Proverbs 3:11.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary