Title: The Value of Discipline
[Explanation of Min Byeong-seok’s Proverbs]7
the value of discipline
( Text : Proverbs 3: 11 - 12 )
Last time we heard about God's promises from wisdom. I learned that the true happiness and hope that our lives desire in this world lies in wisdom. I have come to know that the blessing of longevity also comes from wisdom, the blessing of grace and preciousness in the sight of God and people, and the blessing of health and material things in life. Wisdom is indeed a treasure of life of great worth. Whatever difficulties you may have in acquiring wisdom, you should not be stingy to pay the price. Because wisdom is well worth any cost.
Today, we are going to receive grace through the words that God gives about the value of the discipline He gives to His beloved children.
1. Blessings from Discipline
Looking at today's text in verse 11 and verse 12, it seems to be in stark contrast to what we learned last time. It is not such a blessing that gives joy and gratitude to our hearts and makes our lives worthwhile, but rather a message about discipline that makes you cringe even when you hear it, telling us not to take it lightly when God gives it. Unless we have the wisdom of God, we will not be able to understand the fact that God's chastisement is a blessing.
There are many lessons to be learned through the hardships that come from discipline, and many wisdom to be learned from them. These things are of great benefit to our lives. Psalm 119:71 says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statutes.” If you look at the Word of God, you can see that there are many ways to please God and there are different ways to honor God. A wise person is happy to serve the Lord through his happy life. Serving with material things, sacrificing for others, and living a life of loyalty to the Lord's work.
Then, how can we serve God happily and live a life of gratitude when we are faced with unhappiness? We can fulfill our mission as a wise people who serve God by obeying God's word, by being quiet and patient before the Lord, and by believing in God's promises and praying without becoming discouraged.
In Philippians 4:12, the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned to be content; I know how to have lows, and I know how to have abundance.