An Adventure in Proverbs - Chapter 12

There are quite a few misconceptions about the Bible. Some folks think it's just a collection of moral stories that are to be emulated, not true. Others are under the impression that it's antiquated flowery words that are irrelevant to the modern person. However, if those people would take the time to read the scriptures in a modern language translation and give them some common sense consideration I think they would discover that God's word is incredibly poignant and helpful in our current culture.  It's timeless. Furthermore, individuals who choose to read the Bible may also discover that it is at times hilarious in its bluntness. For example, this from the first verse of Proverbs 12:

 "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid. "

Bam. Reading it kind of feels like a punch in the face. A punch full of truth. If you're too scared to hear anything negative about your own life you're a fool, because you're unteachable. How can we can continue to grow and develop if we aren't willing to hear about the areas where we need to grow and develop? Each of us need people in our lives who will tell us when we have behaved poorly to others or when we believe something that is flat out wrong. As we get older we tend to surround ourselves with voices that agree with us all the time. I think this stunts are growth because we stopped being challenged or corrected.  

I don't want to hear from God that I was acting stupidly by not paying attention to those who offered wise reproof in my life. My prayer is for people who love me enough to share with me the truth.