Being corrected for doing wrong is normally not something we enjoy.  Solomon knew that the long term good was worth the pain of proper discipline.  “It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools.” (Ecclesiastes 7:5)  He mentions discipline many times in Proverbs as well.  “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)  “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.” (Proverbs 29:17)  The Hebrew writer encourages us to appreciate God’s discipline.  “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? ‘My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.’” (Hebrews 12:5-6)  Like Solomon, he also urges us to look past the short term pain.  “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:11)

Today’s reading: Ecclesiastes 7-12