Introduction
Before getting into the meaning of Proverbs 12:1, here’s different Bible translations:
King James Version
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
American Standard Version
Whoso loveth correction loveth knowledge; But he that hateth reproof is brutish.
World English Bible version
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 Meaning & Commentary
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. Proverbs 12:1 (ESV)
Why does The Bible say that if someone loves knowledge, they also love discipline and vice versa? Because it speaks to certain qualities of character which the person possesses. The second part of the verse says that he who hates reproof is stupid.
If we look at the whole verse together, it is saying that people who think they know it all and are above correction are stupid and not walking in wisdom. Conversely, someone open to correction, instruction, and discipline is seeking after knowledge and, therefore, on the way to understanding and wisdom.
Someone who purposely seeks out knowledge usually does not just do it for no reason, especially a Christian. People do not usually seek out knowledge to know a lot for no reason. They typically want to grow and mature in their life and walk with God. Therefore, they are the sort of people who will welcome discipline, correction, and instruction to become better.
Other people, meanwhile, will not be open to correction, rebuke, and any form of reproof. If you think about it, we all have so much to offer each other. Many people are further along than us in life and can share a lot of their experiences, knowledge, and wisdom with us.
Sometimes mentorship may come with a reproof, which is a rebuke or a correction. A stupid person will shun this and ignore it, not knowing that it has the potential to make us better. On the other hand, a wise person will treasure the learning, growth, and knowledge being passed onto them and gladly welcome the discipline.
The Bible acknowledges that discipline is not always pleasant but has the potential to produce good fruit in our lives: Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Application
How can we practically apply Proverbs 12:1 to our lives?
We must develop humility and a teachable attitude in all areas of our lives. If we do this, there will be several results of this.
Firstly, we will realize that we don’t know everything and instead realize how little we know. We will then set ourselves towards learning wherever and however we can. One of the most effective ways to learn is from other people: Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
This can be in a positive or negative sense, as The Bible also warns us: 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” We should also welcome reproof and correction, knowing that it will put us on the path to life and growth: Proverbs 10:17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who rejects reproof leads others astray.
By rejecting reproof or correction, we show what is in our hearts, that we are proud, arrogant, and think we do not need help, or know it all. This is a surefire way to disaster. The Bible warns us that if we think we “stand strong,” we need to watch out because a fall could be around the corner: 1 Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.
Instead of thinking we stand strong, we should remain humble before God and constantly seek greater levels of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. As we do this, we will welcome this from any sources, including people in our lives. Submitting to people is not always easy, but if we desire knowledge and growth more than we despise discipline, we will welcome reproof knowing that it produces good fruit in our lives!
The truth is that people are collectively the body of Christ, and if He wants to bring correction into our lives, He will often use people!
Prayer
Mighty God, I come to you know in Jesus’ name and ask forgiveness where I may have rejected reproof. I humble myself now, knowing that if I desire to grow in You, I need to welcome discipline where needed.
Show me where I may be in rebellion to you and help me to change. Today, I set my face to growing and becoming more like Jesus Christ. I ask that you bring people into my life who can help me grow and become mature. I pray and ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen!
