Proverbs 3:11, 12 emphasizes God’s correction as an extension of love as a father would his own son.

My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor detest His correction; for whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights. (NKJV)

Correction is not isolated to instructive rebuke; it may also include punishment. Discipline, even chastening, should not be interpreted as a sign of rejection but of love and favor. The thought in Proverbs 3:11 echoes Job 5:17. Rather than loathing God's discipline, we should recognize it as a means of drawing us closer to Him.

The answer to Proverbs 3:11 is found in Proverbs 3:12. The New Testament applies this passage to suffering Christians who strive to walk by faith in a world of trouble in Hebrews 12:5, 6. This fits the context of Proverbs 3:11 and 12 perfectly. Just as we are not to forget God in prosperity—when our barns are filled with plenty (Prov. 3:9, 10)—we are not to become alienated from Him in hard times.

Do we welcome divine correction? The Scriptures teach:

"For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; reproofs of instruction are the way of life." (Proverbs 6:23)

Philippians 4:6-7 speaks of the peace of God that surpasses understanding:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (NKJV)

This passage highlights the principle of peace through prayer. How so? It teaches us to surrender our worries to God. In every challenge we face, we have two choices. We can either be consumed by anxiety, allowing our thoughts to spiral downward in worry, or we can turn to God in prayer and trust. Anxiety fixates on everything that is wrong and all that could go wrong, trapping us in fear.

Paul presents a better option—bringing our concerns to God through prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving. Instead of being weighed down by worry, disciples can experience divine peace by trusting in God's provision and expressing gratitude. This peace, unlike worldly comfort, is not dependent on circumstances but on the all-powerful God who faithfully cares for His children.

Worry accomplishes nothing positive; it only pulls us down. Prayer, however, lifts our burdens, placing them in God's capable hands. One option leads to destructive stress, while the other leads to productive peace. The choice is ours. Will we allow worry to rule our hearts, or will we turn to God in prayer and experience His peace?

--Steven J. Wallace

Psalm 119:105,

This verse speaks of guidance. In particular, God’s Word is designed to provide clarity in life as any handheld light source would for a hiker traveling down a path. “Your word,” refers to the Scriptures God has graciously provided. When likened to “a lamp,” it emphasizes how it can brighten our way and inform us. Furthermore, the phrases “to my feet” and “to my path” relate the importance of being aware of what we are walking on, where we are walking to, and how to avoid dangers or obstacles amidst darkness or uncertainty.

For instance, in the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by Satan with physical needs, spiritual pride, and worldly power, but He effectively countered and warded off these spiritual attacks using Scripture (Matt. 4:1-11). God's Word is reliable because it is divinely inspired, unchanging, and sufficient for every challenge we face on the path of life.

Are you relying on the light of God’s Word to guide your steps, or are you stumbling through a wilderness of temptation without direction?

-- Steven J. Wallace

1 Corinthians 15:58:

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (NKJV)

This verse speaks of the Christian's resolve as unwavering determination and persistent commitment to God’s purposes—be steadfast! It encourages us to remain resolute and faithfully keep our post regardless of the challenges—be immovable! It reminds us to be confident and active in the work of the Lord regardless of the obstacles that may come our way—always abounding! Finally, it reminds us that our perseverance and undying dedication have eternal significance—your labor is not in vain!

--Steven J. Wallace

2 Corinthians 4:16-18:

Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (NKJV)

This passage reminds us of the hope and renewal found in God, even amidst physical suffering. It focuses our hearts on the eternal promise of glory with Him rather than being fixated on the physical challenges of the flesh. It reassures us that our suffering is not meaningless but is part of a greater story God is crafting for eternity.

- Steven J. Wallace