For the Love of God, Don't Be Stupid

Proverbs Chapter 12 (in blue, NKJV)

Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

Well that's plainly said. Can you take criticism? Or can you only "dish it out"? Most of us are very, very good at pointing out others' mistakes. It is so easy to see what other people are doing wrong. However, it is when the table is turned that the problem arises. Psychologists like to use phrases like "construction criticism" and "positive re-enforcement". But let's face it, it is criticism. And nobody likes it.

"Now no discipline (chastening, correction, criticism) seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:11

 No discipline feels good when it's happening. It is only after you have had time to reflect on what you were told that the knowledge and training comes, provided you take heed to what has been given. If you ever got a spanking from a parental figure, then you have most assuredly heard these words: "This is hurting me more than it hurts you." And you have most assuredly thought this: "Um, no it doesn't! It hurts me!" I did not receive many spankings when I was little, but as a parent and as I learn more about God, I can vouch for your parents. It does hurt them more, if they are disciplining out of love for you. (If you were/are physically abused, there is no excuse for that. My heart goes out to you.) It hurts to be honest with those you love, to tell them they are wrong.

 

God tells us that we are to love instruction. I have always loved to learn. I don't like to learn by discipline, but sometimes God has used discipline to grow me and show me His ways. The more I love Him and hang out with Him, I actually crave His instruction. I desire to live a "righteous" life...FOR HIM. So, for the love of God, don't be stupid!

A good man obtains favor from the LORD, but a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
A man is not established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous cannot be moved.

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband, but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones. (I can and have been rotten to the core at times.)

The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceitful.
The words of the wicked are, "Lie in wait for blood", but the mouth of the upright will deliver them.

The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous will stand.

A man will be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.

Better is the one who is slighted but has a servant than he who honors himself and lacks bread. ("Better to be ordinary and work for a living than act important and starve in the process. Proverbs 12:9, The Message)

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding.

The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of righteousness yields fruit.

The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteousness will come through trouble. ("The gossip of bad people gets them in trouble; the conversation of good people keeps them out of it. Proverbs 12:13, The Message)

A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.

A fool's wrath is known at once, but a prudent man covers shame. (No, this is not saying a wise man covers up his wrongs. Rather, hot tempers show ignorance but being cool shows maturity.)

He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit.

There is one who speaks the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health.

The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but counselors of peace have joy.

No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.

Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight. (There are those words again!)

A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the lazy man will be put to forced labor.

Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. (verse 25)

Commit this one to memory! Our lives can be consumed by stressful situations. We are in constant demand from others...parents, teachers, friends, bosses. We all have deadlines to meet and problems that arise. It is our thought process that contains the key. To have the confidence that "all things work together for good to those who love God" (Romans 8:28) is to have assurance that it's all going to be alright. Nothing happens by chance. Everything that happens to you is a lesson and a blessing. Put your trust in God and let Him handle the details. Do your part of knowing His Word and acting how you should act, and then trust, really trust and believe, that whatever the outcome, it is okay.

 

I speak from experience. I suffer with clinical depression. I know it's not a mind-over-matter thing. However, I do know that acceptance of the situation is THE KEY to my sanity and to my joy. I have been in the psych ward for a few days because of thoughts of suicide. I have dealt with depression for as long as I can remember. But it wasn't until I learned "acceptance" and this verse that I could live daily with confidence. Life is stressful; this I know. I wake up every single day knowing that I have a blood disorder that could take me at any moment. I know stress. But for the love of God, don't be stupid  like I was for such a long part of my life. Tuck this verse in your soul!

The righteous should choose his friends carefully, for the way of the wicked leads them astray. (Evaluate your crowd. Are you hanging with those who are pointing you to God, or are you hanging out with those who "don't criticize" you?)

The lazy man does not roast what he took in hunting, but diligence is a man's precious possession. (What in the world? Do your job and things will be A-Okay. Be lazy and you have nothing to show for what you have done.)

In the way of righteousness if life, and in its pathway there is no death. (Eternal life heaven versus eternal life in hell.)

Please. For the true love of God, don't be stupid.