Charles Spurgeon Commentary Hebrews 12:11

"All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, [even the fruit] of righteousness." — Hebrews 12:11 (ASV)

But grievous: nevertheless afterward –

These are truly blessed words: "nevertheless afterward" –

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:

It would not be chastening if it were a joy to us; it is necessary, so that it may be chastening, that it should be grievous.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous,

How could it be? It would lose the very nature of chastening if there were joy in it.

Nevertheless afterward-

Oh, what melodious music there is in those two words to ears and hearts that are divinely taught to appreciate it! "Nevertheless afterward" –