Proverbs 26

The Folly of a Fool

We live in a complicated world. It would be wonderful—and it would simplify our lives if we only had to deal with fellow believers. But that is not life, nor is it the world in which we live.

Our world has unbelievers, as well as believers, lazy people, as well as industrious people. Proverbs 26 addresses this other side of humanity.

Solomon addresses the nature of one the Bible calls a fool (vv. 1-12). He is picturesque in his presentation. As unusual as snow in summer or rain in fall, so is honor for a fool. It is not appropriate. Since a fool doesn’t listen to disciple, the only language he seems to understand is a whip across the back (v. 3).

But how do you speak to a fool? Don’t answer him; you will only be contaminated and become like him (v. 4). But, at times, the fool needs to be rebuked, and, on those occasions, it is necessary to rebuke him (v. 5). Don’t depend on a fool; he is unreliable, either on an errand (v. 6) or with a message (v. 7). Trusting a fool with a message is akin to cutting off one’s legs! This is a reminder that we should be cautious in whom we entrust with important information. We cannot be casual in whom we confide.

Don’t trust a fool. Don’t share important issues with him. To do so is similar to putting a thorn into his hand or the hand of a drunkard. What will happen? He won’t know what to do with it. How can a drunkard remove a thorn from his hand? He can’t. What can a fool (or a drunkard) do with a proverb? Nothing. He doesn’t relate to truth. He is like a dog returning to its vomit—he doesn’t change. There is little hope for a fool.

In keeping with his theme, Solomon addresses the lazy person, the sluggard (vv. 13-16). This person doesn’t venture out of his house to go to work—after all, there may be a lion in the street— then what! So he stays home—and sleeps (v. 14). He simply rolls over from side to side; his bed is his home. He is too lazy to get up to do anything, even to eat. It is burdensome for him to even lift his hand to his mouth to feed himself (v. 15). Perhaps his mother spoon fed him too long! But don’t think the fool has a limited view of himself. Not at all. He considers himself wiser than seven intelligent men!

But Solomon also discusses the scoundrel, the contentious man, the wicked man (vv. 17-28). Don’t meddle with him. If you do, it’s like lifting a dog by his ears—you’ll experience repercussions! The scoundrel is vicious with his words, like fiery arrows that wound. He is contentious and is good at spreading stories. Why? Because he has a wicked heart (v. 23). Because of that, he deceives and hates; his deceptive, gracious words are simply lies (v. 25).

But the fool, lazy person, and scoundrel will come to a bitter end (vv. 27-28). He will be crushed by the stone he has tried to roll on top of others. He will come to ruin. “God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap” (Gal. 6:7). This is a solemn reminder for us to be diligent, industrious and truthful.

-- Paul Enns