Proverbs 15:12

The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about those who take instruction:

Proverbs 15:12 (ESV)

A scoffer does not like to be reproved;

he will not go to the wise.

You can tell the wisdom of someone by the people he seeks out for counsel and/or his willingness to listen to the counsel of others. Those who refuse to listen will reap that failure.

Proverbs 15:31-33 - He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise. He who neglects discipline despises himself, But he who listens to reproof acquires understanding. The fear of the Lord is the instruction for wisdom and before honor comes humility. 

(The reception of wisdom must be proceeded by the act of humility and willingness to listen. Those who refuse to listen will reap the consequences of refusing wisdom. Humility is the first step in the acquisition of wise counsel.)

We can tell if someone is a fool or a wise person by their willingness to take correction and instruction. We sometimes think of receiving instruction and corrections as having to do with "gravity" ... it simply flows down hill. However, instruction and correction are not dependent upon rank or authority, nor is wisdom. Wisdom is dependent upon a heart of humility and cooperation with the one who gives the instruction. Pride hinders wisdom. When we think we know, we are not open to knowing, we are closed to God’s wisdom.  If you want to know if someone is wise, simply try to offer them correction or reproof.   That will tell you the depth of their wisdom.