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

PROVERBS 3:11KJV
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Proverbs 3:11 (KJV)

What does Proverbs 3:11 mean?

Proverbs 3:11 tells the reader not to reject or resent the discipline and correction that comes from the LORD. The verse encourages a humble attitude toward God's guidance, even when it comes in the form of correction.

In Proverbs 3:11, a father figure is speaking to his "son," offering wisdom about how to respond when God corrects or disciplines. The verse is part of a larger section where the speaker urges the listener to value wisdom and trust in God's ways. The correction mentioned here is not punishment for its own sake, but a sign of care and instruction meant to guide someone toward what is right.

The Hebrew behind Proverbs 3:11

  • "son" (בֵּן, ben): This word shows the personal, family-like relationship between the speaker and the listener, and by extension, between God and those He corrects.
  • "despise" (מָאַס, ma'as): This word means to reject or treat something as worthless. The verse warns against dismissing God's discipline as unimportant or resenting it.
  • "chastening" (מוּסָר, musar): This word refers to instruction, discipline, or training, often with the goal of moral improvement. It is not just punishment, but teaching that shapes character.
  • "weary" (קּוּץ, quts): This word means to become impatient, tired, or fed up. The verse cautions against giving up or becoming discouraged when facing correction.
  • "correction" (תוֹכֵחָה, tokhecha): This word means reproof or rebuke, pointing to the idea of being shown where one is wrong so that change is possible.

Why Proverbs 3:11 matters

  • Proverbs 3:11 clarifies that God's discipline is not a sign of rejection or anger, but of care and a desire to teach.
  • The verse helps correct the misunderstanding that correction from God is something to resent or avoid; instead, it is something to accept with humility.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by showing that wisdom includes being open to learning, even when it is uncomfortable or challenging.

Where else these words appear

“weary” Hebrew H6973 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 27:46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth: if Jacob take a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these which are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?
  • Leviticus 20:23 And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.
  • 1 Kings 11:25 And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon, beside the mischief that Hadad did: and he abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

“correction” Hebrew H8433 · used in 28 verses

  • 2 Kings 19:3 And they said unto him, Thus saith Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and blasphemy: for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.
  • Proverbs 1:30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
  • Proverbs 15:32 He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

“chastening” Hebrew H4148 · used in 50 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:2 And know ye this day: for I speak not with your children which have not known, and which have not seen the chastisement of the LORD your God, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm,
  • Proverbs 8:10 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
  • Proverbs 23:13 Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die.

“despise” Hebrew H3988 · used in 69 verses

  • Leviticus 26:15 And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant:
  • Job 30:1 But now they that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.
  • Isaiah 41:9 Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.