Proverbs 3:12 (ASV)

Passage

For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Nearby Context

Proverbs 3:10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, And thy vats shall overflow with new wine.

Proverbs 3:11 My son, despise not the chastening of Jehovah; Neither be weary of his reproof:

Proverbs 3:12 For whom Jehovah loveth he reproveth; Even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.

Proverbs 3:13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, And the man that getteth understanding.

Proverbs 3:14 For the gaining of it is better than the gaining of silver, And the profit thereof than fine gold.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "light", "jehovah", "loveth", "reproveth", "even", "father", and "delighteth". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "light" and "jehovah", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 11's "My son despise not the chastening of..." into verse 13's "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom...", so "light" and "jehovah" belong inside that flow. In Proverbs context, the local focus is covenant, worship, and faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "light" and "jehovah" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.