Have you ever heard it said of a person, “You just can’t tell them anything!”? Hopefully, the statement wasn’t aimed in your direction. There are people who refuse to listen. Their mind is made up. Their way is always the right way. Don’t dare insinuate they might be wrong. This attitude is a neon sign of pride. A humble person is open to correction. Our passage today says, “He who hates reproof is stupid.”

Proverbs 12:1
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

The word “stupid” is translated from the Hebrew “to graze.” It likens the person who hates correction to brute cattle. In Psalm 73, Asaph admitted, “I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you” (Psalm 73:22 NIV). There have been and will be times in our lives when each of us can echo Asaph’s confession.

Harry Truman said, “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.” So, for all those who “know it all” there is still a lot of learning to do. When you desire obedience, you will love learning even when the truth hurts and demands a change in your life.

Father, keep me open to correction. Break through my defenses. Knock down the fortresses that guard my proud heart. Help me embrace correction even when it hurts. By your Spirit, continue to grow my love for discipline and obedience.
In Christ’s name.
Amen.