What Does the Bible Say About Discipline and Correction?

“He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.” – Proverbs 10:17

Being corrected or disciplined is not a good feeling most especially that you have to admit your mistakes along the way. Correction and discipline is needed in a believer’s life for it deals with our pride, arrogance and ignorance. And how we respond and receive godly correction and discipline will determine the success or failure of our next step in life.

Take a look at the Scripture above. The Bible says that a person who is open to discipline (which includes correction) is headed to the right way of life while those who don’t listen to such will be lost along the way. Why do you think the wisest man on earth, Solomon said this? Why is correction and discipline that important that we must be humble to receive them and listen to it?

When we allow corrections in our life, it prevents the past mistakes from happening in our lives. Many times, it is our parents who would correct us and discipline us from the things we thought we already knew. An undergraduate parent would usually discipline their children to study well because they know the consequences of being undergraduate; a mother who gave birth at a very young age would usually encourage, discipline and correct her children to enjoy their single life first and to put their love life last because she knows what it’s like not to be able to enjoy the days of her youth, etc. These are the very important disciplines that all children have to take heed and to listen to. God always blesses children who honor their parents.

Moreover, in churches today, when a pastor corrects his member, it often becomes an offense rather than a blessing to some believers. It’s the same thing with mentors. When mentors correct their disciple, sometimes it can be taken negatively.  But these mentors and pastors are simply doing their calling in the LORD. 2 Timothy 4:3 says, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears…”

May all these Words of God be a reminder to us believers that we will always walk humbly and receive correction, and advice from people who truly cares for us. These people have the right to give us godly correction and the godly discipline we need. They are sent by God as blessing and to guide us to pathway of life.

The Bible says that if you “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20).

If you think you are the person who don’t listen to correction, don’t be discouraged for all of us are in the process as the LORD works individually. Simply come to God humbly in prayer and ask the help of the Holy Spirit as you say this prayer in your heart:

Heavenly Father, Forgive me if I have not been listening to the corrections and disciplines of the people who care for me. Give me a teachable and a humble heart that I may walk on the right path of life. I ask of You, Holy Spirit to make me more sensitive and open to Your teachings and corrections through those people. Give me discernment and wisdom. This I ask in Jesus’ name, amen.