Affliction is a bitter root, but it bears sweet fruit!

(Thomas Watson)

There is more malignity in a drop of sin, than in a sea of affliction; for sin is the cause of affliction, and the cause is greater than the effect. The sword of God's justice lies quiet in the scabbard — until sin draws it out!

Affliction is good for us: "It is good for me that I have been afflicted!" Psalm 119:71. When God lays men upon their backs, then they look up to Him. God's smiting His people with the rod of affliction, is like the musician's striking upon the violin, which makes it put forth melodious sound. How much good comes to the saints by affliction! Like fragrant spices, when they are pounded, they send forth their sweetest smell. Affliction is a bitter root, but it bears sweet fruit!

Affliction causes repentance. "In his distress Manasseh sought the favor of the LORD his God and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers!" 2 Chronicles 33:12

The viper, being stricken, casts up its poison. Just so, God's rod of affliction striking us, we spit away the poison of sin!

Affliction betters our grace. Gold is purest, and juniper sweetest — in the fire.

Affliction prevents damnation! "When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world!" 1 Corinthians 11:32