The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly. Proverbs 20:30 (KJV)

The phrase “cleanseth away” in Hebrew is best translated as “is a purging medicine.” The inward parts of the belly literally would be interpreted as “the rooms of the belly,” which refers to the spirit or inner man of the heart. Therefore, it is saying the blueness of a wound is a purging medicine to evil and stripes do the same to the inner man of the heart. It is actually speaking of the benefits of correction to a child. As we correct our children in love, not in anger or abuse, it cleanses, or purges, their hearts of evil. It enables us to steer them to do right and not wrong. The New Living Translation sheds further light on it.

Physical punishment cleanses away evil; such discipline purifies the heart. Proverbs 20:30 (New Living Translation, NLT)

Correction chases away evil from our children. It does the same for criminals. And it even does the same for us when we are disobedient to God. While it may not feel good, it is good for us to be corrected so we’ll straighten out. Wrong that is left go only gets worse. God can use correction by His Word and Spirit to remove out of us what doesn’t need to be there. This works if we are submitted to Him and willing to follow His correction. Sometimes if we are not as submitted and are more rebelious, it may take something a bit stronger to get our attention. God will allow the seed of our bad actions and choices to come to harvest so we experience His correction by the harsh circumstances we face. His correction is good for purging us of deep-rooted rebellion. It is best when we are sensitive and submitted and listen to His early words of correction so we can avoid greater hardship down the road.

When our inner man, our spirit, comes into alignment with God’s Word and ways, then we will be cleansed and delivered from what once held us in bondage. Submitting to correction allows us to walk more upright before God, growing in Him and becoming more like Jesus and pleasing in God’s sight. Correction may sting, but it is always for our good.