Chastening

The meaning of this is more easily understood when we see that it is rendered “nurture” (Eph. 6:44And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)), and “instruction” (2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16), and elsewhere). It does not convey the idea of punishment so much as the Father’s dealings with His children (generally by means of sorrow and trial), in order to produce the fruits of righteousness, and make them partakers of His holiness. It is preventive, not vindictive, and is a special proof of our Father’s love, and of our relationship (Heb. 12).