Proverbs 12:1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge: but he that hates reproof is brutish. Attention to the precepts and wise counsels of this book is urged by — 1. The advantage which such precepts are of, to improve a man's carriage and conversation. 2. The fact that they are a safeguard against the mischiefs of evil company. 3. That they are the best preservatives of health and long life. 4. In the ways of wisdom is to be found peace with God, with man, and with our own conscience. But Solomon tells us there are several sorts of men who will be never the wiser nor better for what he says. (1) Such as are stupid, and have no palate to relish anything but sensual, earthly pleasures. (2) The froward man, who is under the dominion of his lusts and passions. (3) The proud man. For he is wiser in his own conceit than seven men that can render a reason. This conceit is commonly the child of prosperity. (4) The negligent and slothful man. He will not be at the pains to cultivate his mind with the instructions of wisdom. (5) Men of a vain and frothy spirit, who love to turn serious things into ridicule; jesters and scorners. The qualifications our divine philosopher calls for are diligence and attention. He would have his hearers apply their hearts and incline their ears to the words of his mouth. Where were, and where are now, these schools of wisdom, where diligent hearers may be instructed in the laws of God and a good life? They are found in our schools of literature and in our churches. (W. Reading, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.WEB: Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. |
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