Before I Was Afflicted – Psalm 119:65-72

It has been said, “We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” So, you’ll either face the pain of discipline or the pain of regret but whatever your choice is will determine how fulfilled or not you’ll be in life.”

You have dealt well with your servant, O LORD, according to your word. Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments. Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. You are good and do good; teach me your statutes. The insolent smear me with lies, but with my whole heart I keep your precepts; their heart is unfeeling like fat, but I delight in your law. It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces.  (Psalm 119:65-72 ESV)

As much as we may acknowledge the wisdom and rightness of God’s law, we often find ourselves straying from its teachings and wisdom.  Like slapping a baby’s hand, God uses affliction to show us how unprofitable it is to do wrong.  We begin to see those who do wrong as insolent and unfeeling, like we were, and are even able to say at some point that the affliction we experienced was beneficial and worth it.