Add parallel Print Page Options

Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people;[a] then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.

And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?[b] He said,

“My child,[c] don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and don’t give up when he corrects you.
For the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”[d]

As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?[e]

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 12:3 Some manuscripts read Think of how people hurt themselves by opposing him.
  2. 12:5a Greek sons; also in 12:7, 8.
  3. 12:5b Greek son; also in 12:6, 7.
  4. 12:5-6 Prov 3:11-12 (Greek version).
  5. 12:9 Or and really live?

Bible Gateway Recommends

NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible, Softcover
NLT One Year Chronological Study Bible, Softcover
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $15.99
Save: $9.00 (36%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
NLT The One Year Bible for Women (Softcover)
NLT The One Year Bible for Women (Softcover)
Retail: $24.99
Our Price: $17.11
Save: $7.88 (32%)
NLT One Year Bible Softcover
NLT One Year Bible Softcover
Retail: $18.99
Our Price: $10.92
Save: $8.07 (42%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible, Softcover
NLT Teen Life Application Study Bible, Softcover
Retail: $22.99
Our Price: $16.66
Save: $6.33 (28%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars