The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 3:11-12
Patience in affliction Well does this lesson contrast with the preceding picture of prosperity and opulence. I. THE RELIGIOUS VIEW OF SUFFERING . 1 . It is not a dark doom, a cruel fate, a Blind necessity of things. Such were the ideas of the heathen. 2 . Its cause may be known. This is ever a great solace—to be persuaded that our troubles lie in the reason of things, that nothing is chance or caprice. 3 . That cause is in the Divine mind and will. The power... read more
The Pulpit Commentary - Proverbs 3:11-12
Chastening I. GOD CHASTENS HIS CHILDREN WITH SUFFERING . All suffering is not chastening. Some trouble is the pruning of branches that already bear fruit, in order that they may bring forth more fruit ( John 15:2 ). But when it meets us in our sins and failings, it is to be regarded as a Divine method of correction. It is not then the vengeance of a God simply concerned with his own outraged anger; before this we should tremble with alarm. It is not the chance product of... read more