Devine Scripture

Proverbs 3:12

What does Proverbs 3:12 mean?

A plain-English look at Proverbs 3:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Proverbs 3:12 means

This verse explains the profound motivation behind God's discipline: it flows from His love, much like an earthly father’s love for his cherished child. God reproves and corrects those He loves, not to harm them, but to guide them toward righteousness and maturity. This perspective transforms potentially painful experiences into evidences of God's active, concerned care, assuring the faithful that even correction is an expression of His deep affection and desire for their good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For to those who are dear to him the Lord says sharp words, and makes the son in whom he has delight undergo pain.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For whom Jehovah loveth He reproveth, Even as a father the son He is pleased with.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth: and as a father in the son he pleaseth himself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for whom Jehovah loveth he chasteneth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Context

This verse functions as the essential explanation for the command in verse 11, providing the theological grounding for understanding divine chastening. By comparing God's discipline to a loving father, it reassures the reader of God's benevolent intentions even in corrective actions. This understanding is critical for fostering a resilient faith, enabling the reader to see trials not as abandonment but as expressions of divine love, thus maintaining trust in difficult times.

v.11My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof:

v.12This passage

v.13Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 3:19

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

  • Proverbs 13:24

    He that spareth his rod hateth his son; But he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

  • Proverbs 29:17

    Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul.

  • Deuteronomy 8:5

    And thou shalt consider in thy heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so Jehovah thy God chasteneth thee.

  • Psalms 103:13

    Like as a father pitieth his children, So Jehovah pitieth them that fear him.

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