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

Daily Devotional Podcast. Follow along with blog post.

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid." Those are not my words. They are what the scripture says. Yes, Proverbs 12:1, to be exact. You know what it's saying, right? It's saying that those of us who can learn from our mistakes, take good advice, and gain wisdom, are more disciplined and usually better off than those of us who don't do those things. We're in a much better place than those of us who don't listen, who think we know everything, and who never take advice from anybody, because we feel we're above reproof, rebuke, constructive feedback, or above constructive criticism from people who care about us and who want to help us. That is quite stupid, wouldn't you say?

Proverbs 12:1 is also saying we're stupid when we are so big-headed and hard-headed, that we surround ourselves with the people who tell us what we want to hear -- "yes" people. Could you imagine going day by day like that? Taking our chances of falling in the ditch and landing wherever we land? Doesn't that get old? Isn't it time to grow up? We have to listen to somebody. We have to realize there are people who have been before us, made the mistakes, and have much wisdom to give on us if we will only listen and apply it. We don't have to learn everything the hard way, right? 

Anyway, I don't know about you, but I've made too many mistakes and I've been hard-headed too long that I realize I need people -- smart spiritual people around me in order for me to get better and to be stronger. I need people. It doesn't matter how difficult their wisdom is to swallow, accept, or apply, I have learned to follow their sound advice. And I can tell you this: I'm much better off as a result. How about yourself? Just some things for us to think about today.