Don’t Be Stupid
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge but he who hates correction is stupid.” (Proverbs 12:1)
Yup, it literally says—stupid. I checked twelve translations* (even the Living Bible calls it like it is). There ya go, it’s biblical.
Taking a closer look explains why stupid?
When we hear the word ‘discipline,’ our minds usually go to pain, penalties, and punishment. But this is not what this verse is saying. We are being pointed toward wisdom by giving us the insight we need to see things clearly and change course if needed. When someone speaks truth in our life—we are to listen. When Holy Spirit speaks, or the scriptures speak—we are to heed
Paul wrote, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25)
Walking by the Spirit changes how we react to normal, everyday frustrations (and we got us a boat load). Meaning, pausing before we react (a good pause can be a gift). We ask for guidance and relying on God’s strength and divine insight instead of our own strength and not to mention (but I will) our current mood or frame of mind.
What about those mornings, we genuinely ask Holy Spirit to guide us, show Himself BIG today. But by 3 o’clock, we’re just not feeling it. We ignore the promptings and block any further communication. We move on to the next moment so fast, acting as if we didn’t hear, like a two-year-old with the forbidden 2nd cookie in their hand—ignore, turn and run!
Professor and theologian, A.J. Swoboda said, “There is no place in your life that He doesn’t have authority to speak.” So, yes, when we attempt to block what He wants to interject into our moment, our season, our LIFE, we indeed do not love His instruction.
The opening verse is blunt and doesn’t sugarcoat it, refusing to listen to correction doesn’t protect or is even concerned about our pride—it just stops our progress. Progress in growing to be like Jesus and bringing glory to the Father!
Stupid isn’t how we use the term today; it is a chosen response. Conveying a clogged mind or a blocked mind (In the Hebrew). Vivid isn’t it. We choose to put on blinders, rejecting what is told to us, either the divine bold whisper or avoiding those who seek our best interests.
My timeline is dotted with stupid. What a challenge indeed to be a recovering (God-ignoring) stupid individual.
Don’t be stupid.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
*“Stupid” found in the NASB, ESV, NET, AMP, NKJV, RSV, CSB, NLT, NIV, LEB, TLV, BSB.
The above is a brief excerpt from my recent teaching on a Sunday morning at church. I used it to emphasize how we speak to and about others. Do we allow (invite) Holy Spirit to guide and correct (in the moment) or do we ignore and refuse Him. (I know, “OUCH!”)
Inspired Fountain 