6. because the Lord disciplines whomever he loves, and he punishes every son or daughter whom he accepts.
7. Bear hardship for the sake of discipline. God is treating you like sons and daughters! What child isn’t disciplined by his or her father?
8. But if you don’t experience discipline, which happens to all children, then you are illegitimate and not real sons and daughters.
9. What’s more, we had human parents who disciplined us, and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live?
10. Our human parents disciplined us for a little while, as it seemed best to them, but God does it for our benefit so that we can share his holiness.
11. No discipline is fun while it lasts, but it seems painful at the time. Later, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.
12. So strengthen your drooping hands and weak knees!
13. Make straight paths for your feet so that if any part is lame, it will be healed rather than injured more seriously.
14. Pursue the goal of peace along with everyone—and holiness as well, because no one will see the Lord without it.
15. Make sure that no one misses out on God’s grace. Make sure that no root of bitterness grows up that might cause trouble and pollute many people.
16. Make sure that no one becomes sexually immoral or ungodly like Esau. He sold his inheritance as the oldest son for one meal.
17. You know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he couldn’t find a way to change his heart and life, though he looked for it with tears.