After 40 years of devoted leadership, Moses gave his final teachings to the people whom he had served and devoted his life. The book opens with rebuke and ends with blessings laden with his sincere love for the people and his desire for their happiness.
Just as the blessings were said in love, so too was the rebuke and admonishment, as a loving parent, whose purpose is to guide his child and protect them from harm. The experience and wisdom of a parent enables them to point out to the child various dangerous to avoid, and conversely, various sources of good from which the child may benefit. Only a foolish person would turn a deaf ear to such constructive discipline. However, just as the young child may resent being disciplined, so may an adult refuse to listen to constructive chastisement. The discomfort when being told that one is wrong, may lead one to avoid listening to corrective teaching altogether.
King Solomon, in his book of proverbs, emphasizes that the truly wise person is the one that not only accepts discipline, but actively pursues it.
