Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
but whoever hates correction is stupid.
Summary: Calling someone “stupid” is a big deal in our society. It seems like turning on the TV is an invitation to have someone call me stupid. People are yelling and screaming as if that is going to convince someone to change their mind. So who is stupid?
There is something about bluntness that I really appreciate. All my life I have had difficulty sorting out what people mean because of the way my brain works. There is very little nuance in my head. It is hard for me to “get” a hint. Call me thick-headed, I am what I am.
In this passage, Solomon is speaking my lingo. “Hey you,” he says, “if you hate correction, you’re STUPID.” No nuance, no subtlety. Plain, simple language. I love it!
Now, the problem with being direct is that people often take the message wrong. Sometimes, “If you do such-and-such you’re stupid” sounds like, “I think you’re stupid.” Those are two very different messages.
Loving discipline is a rare thing. Who likes being told, “Hey, you’re doing that wrong!”? Nobody. Yet, Solomon seems to be saying that there are some people who might appreciate it. What is going on?
Part of the problem is that stupid people get tired of being told what they are doing is wrong. So they decide that they, too, should tell people what they are doing is wrong. The thing is, that since they are stupid, they don’t know the difference between right and wrong. They are just stroking their own ego.
People who love discipline don’t like being accosted by stupid people. Stupid people have no knowledge to offer, so their attempt at correction is worse than worthless. It is frustrating and irritating.
But what about smart people?
When I think back on my school days, I see in my mind’s eye all of the teachers I have ever had lined up like little dolls on a shelf. As I walk down the length of the shelf looking at all their faces, there is a little gage in my mind that reads out my opinion of each one. This one was smart, this one was stupid. Sadly, a lot of them ended up not looking very smart.
It is fun to learn from someone who knows not only their subject but how to teach it. Finding someone who can teach is the challenge. Figuring out how to respond to those who think they can teach but can’t is another kind of challenge.
So where do we go with this? A person can have all kinds of degrees from the biggest college names in the world and still not qualify as “smart” in Solomon’s book. But there is one more caveat.
God’s Word says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1) Keeping in mind that the word “judge” here comes from the Greek word “krinō,” we understand that there are many types of judgment. As we continue the Matthew passage, we get clues as to what Jesus means here.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7: 3)
Jesus points us in the same direction as Solomon does. Do you love discipline? (A question we are to ask ourselves.) Solomon asks us to make a judgment. Jesus, too, says make a judgment, but make it of yourself.
Then Jesus adds this little gem: “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs.” (Matthew 7:6) Is he talking about literal “dogs” and “pigs”? I don’t think so. I think Jesus is using a metaphor for people. One that requires us to make a judgment.
Application: Apply Solomon’s proverb to yourself. Do you love discipline and knowledge, or do you hate correction?
Food for Thought: What does Jesus mean by “dogs” and “pigs?”
What does Jesus mean by “dogs” and “pigs?”
In the Book of Matthew Jesus is talking about obstinate and stubborn people who believe they are the masters of their own fate and have no need for God or a Savior. I have been in spiritual conversations before with those that were really not interested in God, and it can become unproductive and elevated if you are not careful. I have always interpreted this verse to say that if I allow myself to become prideful or upset, I could ruin my witness, and that would be like “throwing my pearls to pigs.” Its not just that they will not listen, but that I may be drawn into a bad conversation. Also, when I read this passage (and have read this passage) I have always felt that it was the latter part on a perfect balance between planting seeds and knowing when to stop.
Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Couple that with Matthew 7:6 and scripture is telling us to share, but be mindful, be armed with truth and grace, and not allow the conversation to turn us away from glorifying God.
Chris,
I really like your understanding of the Matthew 7:6 passage. I had not looked at it that way before. Well said!
There have always been those who want to mock that which is holy. They may snarl at God’s truth and quarrel with His holy word and standards. And they may also abuse you in the process. That field may not yet be fertile. Pray for the fields that are not ripe to ripen, but invest time in harvesting where the fields are ripe.
Thank you, Rich.
“Mock[ing] that which is holy” is a great context to put this passage in.
I’m still kinda stuck on what Ron said yesterday then with your comment today. Forgive them father for they know not what they are doing.
Great comments!
06-30-2022, Proverbs 12:1, What does Jesus mean by “dogs” and “pigs?”
In Matthew 7:1, Jesus tells us, judge not that you be not judged. The Greek word for judge in verse one is krino, which has two meanings. It can indicate either condemnation OR properly exercised discernment.
It is necessary to judge all situations correctly. To have righteous discernment, when it comes to whom we should share the word of God with. Jesus illustrates this teaching with the imagery of feral dogs and pigs. Dogs during His time were quite feral and mangy. They were mean and filthy, experts in taking advantage of opportunities to satisfy their needs , and would fiercely defend themselves. Pigs are considered unclean throughout the Bible, along with horses, donkeys, lions, tigers, and many other types of animals.
Jesus’ instructions regarding dogs and pigs are not a contradiction to His other instructions to love our enemies. That instruction has to do with personal, everyday relations, kindness, generosity, peacemaking, honesty. Here I believe Jesus is teaching about how we handle the Gospel when we encounter staunch opposition.
Matthew 5:44, 7:6
The Holy Spirit is Perfectly Righteous, He knows who is honestly seeking God and who is not. He knows not to waste our time on those who refuse to believe and believers should listen to Him. The full power of God is actively ministering to the world about sin, righteousness and the coming judgement. We focus on ourselves, how are we demonstrating the love of God toward all mankind, are they seeing Jesus Christ in our lives and as someone they desire to know? Are we being sensitive to the Holy Spirit and responding to His direction regarding others.
John 16:8-11
Thank you, Ron.
I like your advice about listening to the Holy Spirit. He knows who is who. 🙂
What you have from and because of Jesus in your life is sacred. What God has given you, like faith – is a pearl of great price.
Discern quickly who perceives sacred and pearl in you and share freely with them.
All others, dogs and pigs, are best left to their own rutting in earthly food.
Our food is heavenly, not earthly – therefore sacred and as highly valued as any pearl.