- honor isn't appropriate for a fool; honoring a fool has a tendency to backfire (26:1,8)
- fools are like horses and donkeys that need to be whipped to be disciplined (26:3)
- it takes a great deal of discernment and understanding to address a fool correctly (26:4-5)
- relying on a fool is very harmful (26:6,10)
- proverbs are like dead weight to a fool (26:7). They affect him like a thorn stings a drunk man (26:9).
- (This one hit me more than the previous verses) A fool keeps repeating his sin or his mistake, like a dog that comes back to eat his own vomit. (26:11)
A fool is defined as a silly person, or more importantly, someone who is unwise (New American Oxford Dictionary).
Let's consider what the Bible says about wisdom. In Proverbs 9:10 Solomon states that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. A fool, therefore, has no fear of the Lord. Like we mentioned before, the fear we talk about here is not the fear associated to terror, but rather it is recognizing and respecting who the Lord is - He is all powerful, all knowing, and all present. He is the only one able to send both our bodies and our souls to hell (Matthew 10:28).
You may think being a fool could be pretty bad; well, keep going in Proverbs 26 and you'll see this:
Proverbs 26:12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
So it's one thing to be unwise and a fool. This verse says it's worse to think that you are wise. If we are lacking wisdom, then at least we can be taught. But if we think we are wise when we lack wisdom (oftentimes the two come hand in hand) then we definitely will not make out as well as the fool.
Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and desirable things cannot be compared to her.
We are all in need of wisdom. It's always best to listen and respond according to the Word. We would do well to always have the mindset that though we may know much, we definitely have much more to learn. There are many things in this world that would keep us busy, but as believers we should put some priority into seeking wisdom.
King Solomon was given the choice of riches, power, and wisdom - when he chose wisdom, God gave him riches and power as well. Why? I believe that with wisdom, we are capable of handling power and riches accordingly.
God made us and knows what's best for us - by faith, if we choose to seek wisdom before anything else, I believe everything else will follow.
To God be all the glory.
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