Proverbs 20:30

The book of Proverbs gives us insights into so many different areas of life. The book gives us instruction on how to live our lives for God. Here is a proverb that gives us insight about discipline:

Proverbs 20:30 (ESV)

Blows that wound cleanse away evil;

strokes make clean the innermost parts.

It is not fun to be disciplined, but this proverb tells us that outward discipline will correct an inward problem. Hebrews 12:11 tells us that no discipline seems good at the time, as it is affecting the outward parts of our life. 

Hebrews 12:11 (ESV)

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

But afterward it produces an inward change characterized by righteousness. The above proverb tells us that same thing. Some people need extreme discipline. Some need stronger "blows." This verse isn't telling us to "beat" someone, but that harsh, outward discipline, is sometimes needed to cleanse the inward issues. We are not always aware of how hard discipline can reach the innermost parts.   We only see the emotional bruise it causes.   Sometimes God has to use extreme tools to reach the inner heart.  Yet, we don't like to see the pain of discipline.  We don't want our children, our family, our friends, our nation to experience pain.  We are a "comfort" driven society.   We get upset when we have to wait in traffic (such an inconvenience).   We don't like to wait in line at the coffee shop (how rude that these people are in front of me).   But, above, God warns us through the pen of Solomon.   Don't try to rescue when God is disciplining your children, your family, your friends, or  your nation.   Sometimes the pain they are experiencing is necessary to see the fruit they should be producing.   In the end, the fruit of discipline produces a the fruit of righteousness.