A Fool Despises Instruction

by Gailen Evans

The wisdom writer said in the introduction of the book of Proverbs, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; (But) fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, And forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 1:7-8).

Learning only occurs when there has been a transfer of knowledge from the teacher to the individual being taught. This transfer of knowledge is sometimes stifled by traits of the teacher. His teaching can be impaired by speaking in a monotone, teaching too long at a time, boring presentation, or discussing topics of no relevance.

However, sometimes the process of learning is impaired by the hearer. Jesus, the perfect teacher, was unable to teach some people. He warned that men should be careful how they hear. He said in the parable of the sower as the sower went forth to sow seed, “But others fell on good ground, sprang up, and yielded a crop a hundredfold.” When He had said these things He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Luke 8:8). Each of the letters to the seven churches of Asia concludes with the saying, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches” (Revelation 2:7,11,17,29; 3:6,13,22). In order to benefit from the revelation which God has given to man, an individual must have the proper attitude to learn.

An individual must have a burning desire to know God's will. The wise man said, “Buy the truth, and do not sell (it, Also) wisdom and instruction and understanding” (Proverbs 23:23). This proverb recognizes the preciousness of truth, the willingness to sacrifice in order to obtain it, and the obligation to cling to it at all cost. Jesus taught the same lesson, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it” (Matthew 13:44-46).The Bereans displayed this attitude toward learning God's will when they “received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily (to find out) whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).

A wise man is marked by his attitude toward learning the will of God. He will listen to instruction. Consider the following from the book of Proverbs.

“Give (instruction) to a wise (man), and he will be still wiser; teach a just (man), and he will increase in learning” (Proverbs 9:9). “The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall” (Proverbs 10:8). The instruction which he hears, he will keep (i.e. obey, make application to his life). “He who keeps instruction (is in) the way of life, but he who refuses reproof goes astray” (Proverbs 10:17). Having this attitude toward learning makes him increase in wisdom. “Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof (is) stupid” (Proverbs 12:1). “The ear that hears the reproof of life will abide among the wise” (Proverbs 15:31). “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Proverbs 19:20). He will love the man who reproves him for his sin – “Do not reprove a scoffer, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you” (Proverbs 9:8). This disposition perceives that anytime a man has the opportunity to rid himself of some incorrect belief or practice in exchange for a correct belief or practice, he is wise to exchange the bad for the good.

By contrast, the fool hates reproof. Proverbs 12:1 says, “…but he who hates reproof (is) stupid.” Proverbs 13:1 continues, “…but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke.” Yet again, Proverbs 13:18, “Poverty and shame (will come) to him who disdains correction, but he who regards reproof will be honored.”

Frequently, the fool will hate the one who brings reproof. Jesus told the disciples, “Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets” (Luke 6:22-23). Paul asked, “Have I therefore become your enemy because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16). “A scoffer does not love one who reproves him, nor will he go to the wise” (Proverbs 15:12).

Brethren may we all grow in the understanding of our Holy Father and His precious Son, Our Lord and Saviour.