Comforted by His Correction

"Solomon loved many strange women… which the LORD said… will turn away your heart after their gods… and his wives turned away his heart" (1 Kings 11:1-3).  "So foolish was I… Nevertheless… Thou hast holden me by my right hand.  Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory" (Psalm 73:22-24).  "As an earring of gold… so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear" (Proverbs 25:12).  "Blessed be God… the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort" (2 Corinthians 1:3). 

How sadly Solomon would stray 

By turning from the Lord's correction

And giving thus his heart away

To strange and damaging affection! 

How happy is the heart that heeds

The Lord's correction and command,

Who, by His counsel, safely leads

And lifts us as He holds our hand!

How wisely does our Lord reprove

The ear that will obey His Word! 

How kindly does He thus remove

The dangers whereby we are lured! 

How great our comfort is, O Lord,

By Your correction that You give,

By which we also are restored

To live the life we're called to live!