Don't Be A Brute

"Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid"  
Proverbs 12:1

When I was a youngster I would get in trouble if I called anyone stupid, it may have been an offense worthy of my mouth being washed out with soap.  My mom considered it to be a harsh and demeaning word.  We see in the above proverb that the Lord uses that harsh word to describe anyone who hates correction.  The King James version uses the word "brutish", and the Hebrew word literally means, to be like cattle.  I think the Lord feels very strongly about those who don't receive correction!
Frankly, most of us don't like to be corrected.  Being corrected stings our egos, and humbles us.  Correction should be reserved for those who are not as wise or spiritually mature as us.  
The Lord used my first car as an object lesson, to help me understand my own need for continual correction and adjustments.  The car was not a very trustworthy auto, and was out of alignment from the day I purchased it.  When I drove it I had to always pay very close attention at all times, because it would keep veering to the left.  If I did not pay attention and continue to straighten it out, that car would drift into all kinds of trouble.  The Lord used my frustration with that old sports car, as a picture of my own walk.  I was born out of alignment and in constant need of adjustments and corrections, to keep me from dangerous troubles.  As much as my flesh resists it, I know I need the Lord's discipline to keep me in line with His ways and purposes.  
We all need the Lord's correction.  The foolish, prideful, stupid brute, will fight and resist His discipline.  Wisdom would call us to look for and love His correction.