How to Become Foolish

Daily Devotional – Thursday May 18, 2023
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV)

As an adolescent, I found it difficult to accept correction. I believed I was always right and did not need unnecessary instructions. Little did I know that ignoring counsel and guidance is the shortest path to stupidity. My tears were many because of pride and ignorance.

Reacting to Correction

I thank God because today, I can listen as someone criticizes me and try to reason from that person’s point of view. From hindsight, I now realize that majority of those who corrected me were directly or indirectly imparting wisdom into my juvenile mind.

That is why I understand my son. He is at that stage where he feels that correction is superfluous. Hence, whenever he sulks or gets irritated when admonished, I let him cool down, before having a little talk with him.

He Who Hates Correction is Stupid

Thankfully, the Bible has special gems to kindle a discussion around this topic. One of these is Proverbs 12:1, which states, “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.”

Solomon juxtaposes loving instructions and hating correction. He further contrasts the outcomes of the two choices – loving knowledge and being stupid. In essence, we become knowledgeable and wiser when we accept correction. The vice versa is true.

Pride and Foolishness

Why would a person hate instructions and correction? Pride convinces us that we know everything hence no need to listen to counsel. Often, haughty people end up hurting from the same reasons they were warned about, but failed to listen.

In His mercy, God places instructions everywhere around us. Our parents, guardians, teachers and leaders are custodians of God’s instructions. The Bible contains countless instructions and warnings that would make us wiser if we obeyed unquestioningly.

Eschewing the Consequences of Imprudence

The Bible is the ultimate container of divine counsels for productive and godly living. Further, the Holy Spirit speaks into our consciences, revealing God’s will for us, hence saving us from the consequences of stupidity, if we would heed God’s voice.

In yet another proverb, Solomon demonstrates how to become stupid when he observes, “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.” (Proverbs 22:3). In essence, stupidity is a result of disobeying God’s instructions.

How to Become Stupid

Today, ask yourself whether you are wise of stupid in the context of the key text. Realize that God’s teachings and warnings are tools to make you wise for eternal life. Resolve to become judicious and not stupid by obeying God always.

Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I want to become wise, not stupid. Empower me to obey You unquestioningly.