If you have ever called someone “stupid” you probably felt guilty for being rude. Perhaps your mother would be disappointed if she heard you describe someone in that way. While mom is absolutely right, there is actually a biblical application for Scripture to make that categorization.
What behavior would warrant the Bible calling a person “stupid”? Proverbs 11:28-12:4 uses a compilation of contrasting statements to describe the difference between how the life decisions of the righteous flourish and those of the wicked come to ruin. That list includes the contrast in attitude toward money, the disparity in the treatment of one’s own family and the difference in the resulting reputation. And nestled in the middle is another contrast in Proverbs 12:1.
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Loves discipline? (Gulp.) What is your attitude toward receiving correction? How does it make you feel? I’m not referring to a misspelling or a wrong turn, but chastisement for a legitimate sin? I already know the answer. NO ONE LIKES IT! But God acknowledges even that.
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11)
Discipline amounts to training for the one that loves God and is able to respond in humble repentance. Discipline of the believer culminates, not in anger, but in “peaceful fruit of righteousness.” In that context, the Christian should pray that God helps him to bear this fruit. If the bearing of that fruit includes godly reproof, are you prepared to accept it? Or even to be thankful for it? Have you asked God to help you hear “painful” truths and be trained by it?
A righteous life is not achieved by being a nice person. A righteous life is one characterized by being submissive to God. Submission includes a godly, humble response to correction. The mark of the wicked is their rebellion against God’s authority. They refuse to submit to His law and, as a result, lead undisciplined lives. To use the language of Proverbs, they hate reproof.
A specific application of the principle is found in Proverbs 5 regarding a lack of sexual discipline. Verses 7-14 address the failure of the ungodly man to remain faithful to his wife. The conclusion to that way of living is described in verses 11-12, “And at the end of your life you groan, when your flesh and body are consumed, and you say, ‘How I hated discipline and my heart despised reproof!’”
A broader application is found in Proverbs 15:10, “There is severe discipline for him who forsakes the way; whoever hates reproof will die.” A failure to accept God’s discipline leads to all forms of misery and ultimately results in death. This brings into much clearer focus Scripture’s assertion that whoever hates reproof is stupid!
I challenge you to carry this principle into your prayer regimen. Ask God to help you love His discipline. Ask Him that it would not be wasted but used to train you so you might produce the peaceful fruit of righteousness.