Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1

Does the Bible really use the word “stupid? Yes it does. That word is found in this verse in the each of the following translations: New King James, New American Standard, English Standard Version, and the New International Version.

It is only found 5 times in 5 verses of the Old Testament, all in Psalms and Proverbs. It is a strong term that means senseless, or—well, stupid.

In the verse before us, who is called stupid? The one “who hates correction.”

It is interesting that when corrected, virtually everyone of responds first defensively. That is not good, but the greater problem arises if we do not get over our initial defensiveness, but rather persist in being unteachable.

Someone once said God is only looking for two abilities in those He blesses: Availability and teachability. Other abilities may be helpful in some circumstances, but those two certainly are essential.

If we would be used by God, and indeed blessed by God, let us be teachable. Otherwise, according to God’s Word, we are stupid.