5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children?*12:5a Greek sons; also in 12:7, 8. He said,

"My child,*12:5b Greek son; also in 12:6, 7. don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline,

and don’t give up when he corrects you.

6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves,

and he punishes each one he accepts as his child."*12:5-6 Prov 3:11-12 (Greek version).

7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever?*12:9 Or and really live?