but he who hates correction is stupid
The term "stupid" here is a strong admonition against rejecting correction. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, wisdom literature often used stark contrasts to convey moral truths. The rejection of correction is equated with foolishness, a recurring theme in Proverbs. This reflects a broader biblical principle that pride and stubbornness lead to downfall, as seen in the lives of figures like King Saul (1 Samuel 15:23). The Hebrew word translated as "stupid" can also imply brutishness or a lack of understanding, akin to an animal that cannot comprehend instruction. This phrase serves as a warning that ignoring correction leads to a lack of wisdom and understanding, ultimately resulting in spiritual and moral failure. The New Testament echoes this sentiment in passages like James 1:22, which urges believers to be doers of the word, not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

• “Discipline” in Proverbs carries the idea of training that sometimes stings but always aims to shape character (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-11).

• To “love” this discipline means we welcome God-given correction instead of resisting it.

• In everyday terms it looks like:

– Receiving a parent’s or mentor’s rebuke without resentment (Proverbs 9:8-9).

– Inviting accountability partners to speak hard truths (Proverbs 27:6).

– Letting Scripture cut and heal us (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• Loving discipline is an act of humility; we acknowledge we are still being formed (Philippians 1:6).

• Discipline and knowledge are inseparable. If I embrace the first, the second follows (Proverbs 1:7; 8:10-11).

• Knowledge here is not mere trivia; it is insight that enables righteous living (Colossians 1:9-10).

• Practical fruit of loving knowledge:

– Clearer discernment between good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).

– Growing competence in serving others (2 Peter 1:5-8).

– Deeper intimacy with the Lord who is Truth (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

• “Hates” signals an active rejection, not mere discomfort.

• Refusing correction shows a hardening heart (Proverbs 29:1).

• Indicators of hate for correction:

– Justifying sin rather than confessing it (Proverbs 28:13).

– Surrounding oneself only with flattering voices (2 Timothy 4:3-4).

– Reacting defensively to loving rebuke (Proverbs 15:12).

• Scripture is direct: despising correction is morally and spiritually foolish (Proverbs 10:21).

• “Stupid” conveys a dullness that shuts out wisdom, leading to tragedy (Proverbs 13:18; 15:10).

• Consequences include:

– Stunted spiritual growth.

– Repeated cycles of avoidable pain (Proverbs 26:11).

– Loss of testimony and influence (Ecclesiastes 10:1).

Proverbs 12:1 contrasts two heart postures. The person who cherishes God’s shaping hand gains ever-increasing knowledge and maturity; the one who despises correction settles into destructive ignorance. Our response to discipline today foretells our wisdom—or folly—tomorrow.

(1) Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge.--Rather, he that loveth knowledge loveth discipline, i.e., to put himself in the place of a learner; while "he that hateth reproof," who will not take advice, is "brutish," "nourishing a blind life within the brain," like the animals who are incapable of improvement.