Brute Is More Than a Cologne

(Proverbs 12:1 KJV)  Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

What does it mean to be “brutish” (stupid NASB) (1198)?  The root meaning of the word is not lack of smarts, it is being a brute.  I would assume that this is talking about farm animals, but would certainly include most living in the wild. 

In what ways are people like animals?  I think of the unrestrained sexuality we are seeing today.  Most animals have limited times in which they can reproduce based on the female’s cycle.  During that time it is pretty much “anything goes.”  It is just like our culture today.  Do what feels good and don’t pay any attention to the consequences.  We act like we cannot help ourselves, that we have “needs”.  How stupid.

Part of being made in the image of God is that we have a moral sense.  That means that moral behavior is expected of us.  Look through Proverbs and you will find many references to sexual behavior, guidance in business, pointers of farming and a plethora of other topics.  How we behave makes a difference.

So?  The devil did not make you do it.  You made you do it.  Accept that and you are on the road to repentance and restoration.