“Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.” Proverbs 12:1 (NKJV)
When I first read this, I laughed because the word “stupid” was in the Bible. But then as I thought about it more, I saw that this was not a laughing matter. What will keep me from falling into the stupid trap? Three things came to my very-susceptible-to-stupid mind.
I grow through correction. I learn through discipline.
I gain knowledge by pushing my mind.
I get wiser by listening to those smarter than I am.
Forrest Gump said, “Stupid is as stupid does.” I found that pride, arrogance, conceit, and the unwillingness to listen to anyone are some of the one way tickets to “stupid-ville.” How do I know this? It’s simple; I have experienced the pain of my stupidity.
So, every once and a while, I have learned to slow down and, if need be, stop and check my “stupid meter.” I ask three questions:
First, am I unwilling to concede I am wrong?
Second, have I been unwilling to listen to advice?
Third, am I unwilling to accept correction?
If I answered “yes” to any of these questions, then I am riding on the highway to stupid-ville. Or as the great theologians “AC/DC” once sang, “I’m on the highway to hell.” At that time, I have a choice to remain on this highway to stupid-ville, or I can choose a better perspective and learn from others before I become “what stupid is.”
One of the best pieces of advice in the Bible is simply, “Dont be stupid.” And “that’s all I have to say about that.”
Home Application
Check your “Stupid Meter” today by using the three questions.
Don’t take yourself too seriously. You will make stupid decisions.
Memorize Proverbs 12:1. It has kept me grounded over the years.
David Towner is the author of Today Is My Favorite Day and the Pastor of Openwater Church in Odessa, FL. He is married to Tonya and together they have three daughters, Shana, Kari, and Rebekah and four grandsons, Caleb, Cohen, Cade, and Jack.