11 That is why the Lord is patient with them and pours out his mercy upon them. 12 He sees and recognizes that their end is miserable; therefore he grants them forgiveness all the more. 13 The compassion of human beings is for their neighbors, but the compassion of the Lord is for every living thing. He rebukes and trains and teaches them, and turns them back, as a shepherd his flock. 14 He has compassion on those who accept his discipline and who are eager for his precepts. 15 My child, do not mix reproach with your good deeds, or spoil your gift by harsh words.

In fine, the system He pursues to inspire fear is the source of salvation. And it is the prerogative of goodness to save: The mercy of the Lord is on all flesh, while He reproves, corrects, and teaches as a shepherd His flock. He pities those who receive His instruction, and those who eagerly seek union with Him. And with such guidance He guarded the six hundred thousand footmen that were brought together in the hardness of heart in which they were found; scourging, pitying, striking, healing, in compassion and discipline: For according to the greatness of His mercy, so is His rebuke. For it is indeed noble not to sin; but it is good also for the sinner to repent; just as it is best to be always in good health, but well to recover from disease. So He commands by Solomon: Strike your son with the rod, that you may deliver his soul from death. And again: Abstain not from chastising your son, but correct him with the rod; for he will not die.