Posted April 29, 2015 under Blog

When God Calls You Stupid

I used to reprimand my son, Joseph, a lot for saying the word "stupid" when he was much younger. At that time, witty Joseph would retort "some things really are stupid!" This is why I was a bit taken aback when I read this particular blog of his and realised that Joseph was right. Sometimes, no word can ever take the place of "stupid"... even more so when it is God Himself who calls you that. Whoa, did I hear that right?

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I used to say stupid all the time as a kid.

Tha'ts so stupid.

What a stupid idea.

I'm so stupid.

My parents would reprimand me and tell me not to say that word anymore. But I'd argue back, Some things really are stupid!

I see their point now. It was wrong to say it recklessly.

But there really are times when no other word applies. There really are situations, ideas, and people that are stupid. Here's what the Bible says,

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. Proverbs 12:1

When God wants to make a point, He really says what He means. And He says hating correction is stupid. In the words of Pastor Steve Murrell, If you hate correction, this verse says you're stupid. Don't be mad at me. I?didn't?call you that. God called you stupid.

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The different versions of Proverbs 12:1 over 34 different translations. If your sensibilities are offended by the word "stupid," you may choose an alternative from the list. But "stupid" is the winner by a landslide.

The different versions of Proverbs 12:1 over 34 different translations. If you are offended by the word stupid, you may choose an alternative. But stupid is the winner by a landslide. It's definitely better than dumb animal.

Correction is painful, embarrassing, and invasive. But everyone needs it. And to hate it is stupid.

There's some very good news to this verse: God doesn't consider it stupid if we make mistakes. It's only stupid when we hate being corrected for them. It doesnt matter how naturally smart, talented, or brilliant we are. We're all imperfect and need correction.

So go ahead and live life fearlessly! Make mistakes! Fail spectacularly! Fall flat on your face. And then receive the correction, thank the person, and make the necessary adjustments. You're on your way to wisdom.

Don't be stupid.

For more of Joseph's blog, visit http://www.josephbonifacio.com
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