Proverbs 12:1 NKJV
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid.
Other Bible Translations
Proverbs 12:1 KJV
Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.
Proverbs 12:1 ESV
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 NLT
To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.
Proverbs 12:1 NRSV
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but those who hate to be rebuked are stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 WEB
Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 NASB
One who loves discipline loves knowledge, But one who hates rebuke is stupid.
Proverbs 12:1 NCB
Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but the one who hates correction is stupid.
Meaning
“I don’t like being told what to do.”
Ever heard someone say that? It’s a common sentiment. Many people prefer to live freely, doing what they please without taking instruction from anyone. And that’s understandable, there’s a certain sense of freedom in being independent.
But there’s an Akan proverb that says, “He who is weeding doesn’t know that the line behind him is crooked.” In other words, when you’re focused on doing your own thing, you might not realise you’re going off track. It often takes someone standing aside, observing, to point out where you’re going wrong.
It’s like mopping a floor and missing a spot. You might not see it yourself until someone else points it out — and sometimes, not even then, until you step into their position and view it from their angle.
This reminds us why being open to correction and instruction is so important. Others can offer us a clearer perspective. That’s the wisdom Proverbs 12:1 offers:
“Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid.”
This verse contrasts two kinds of people: one who embraces correction in order to grow in wisdom, and another who rejects it — and as a result, remains foolish. The wise person sees instruction as a gift, not an insult.
