What does Proverbs 15:12 mean?

Solomon continues a common theme in the book of Proverbs: that "fools" are those who refuse to be corrected with truth. The Hebrew root word luwts suggests someone arrogant or sneering (Proverbs 9:7–8; 13:1). Such derisive persons don't want to be corrected and deliberately avoid those with godly wisdom. This harmonizes with Solomon's earlier statement noting that "fools," meaning those who reject godly truth (Proverbs 1:7), gush with foolish statements while the wise are trying to give a careful answer (Proverbs 15:2).

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, he commended the preaching of God's Word, as well as reproof and rebuke (2 Timothy 4:2). These last two ideas both refer to correcting others in spiritual error. Paul also warned Timothy that people would soon abandon truth in favor of lies that matched their preferences (2 Timothy 4:3–4). Some people today who claim the name of Christ refuse to listen to what they need to hear; they only accept what they want to hear. Such persons are mocking God and refuse to learn from the wise. The scoffer refuses to examine his heart and correct the wrong that lurks there. Nevertheless, the Lord searches the heart and judges the unrepentant (Hebrews 4:13).