Proverbs 26
“A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.” – Proverbs 26:7 NLT
When I think of the Proverbs I can't help but think about the fool. This collection of wise sayings from the pen of Solomon contains a large number of references to the fool and foolish behavior. It also mentions other behavior closely associated with the fool, such as laziness, lying, dishonesty, unreliability, and an uncontrolled tongue. Some of the things Solomon has to say about fools seem humorous when you read them, but they are meant to be taken seriously. "Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot" (Proverbs 26:8 NLT). The image this Proverb conjures up is meant to be ridiculous and ludicrous. Nobody in their right mind would do something as silly as tying a stone to a sling. It makes no sense. It would serve no purpose. It would be a waste of time. And that's exactly Solomon's point. Showering honor on a fool is a useless exercise that will produce no beneficial results. As The Message paraphrases this verse, honoring a fool would be "like setting a mud brick on a marble column." Absolutely ridiculous.
So why does Solomon have it out for fools? Why does he have such strong words of warning against foolish people and foolish behavior? Because he understands the danger they pose to themselves and to society. In Solomon's mind, fools are the epitome of the person who lives their life as if there is no God. David, Solomon's father, had warned him early on in life, "Only fools say in their hearts, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt, and their actions are evil; not one of them does good" (Psalm 53:1 NLT). In the minds of David and Solomon, the fool was not some innocent, bumbling buffoon who just happened to be a few bricks short of a full load. No, the fool was a danger to society because they failed to honor God with their lives. Fools were pariahs, a drain on society, because of their refusal to work and their tendency to excuse their laziness with lies. They didn't carry their load. Fools were not to be trusted or tolerated. Their words were worthless because they refused to listen to the wisdom of God.
Fools are just as prevalent today as they were in Solomon's day. But we have become so much more tolerant of them. We have fools in places of power and influence. We watch fools entertain us on TV and in the movies, then listen intently as they share their words of wisdom with us on everything from marriage to politics and religion. We idolize and envy them for their lifestyles of excess and hedonism. Our government is well-stocked with fools who use clever words and inspiring speeches to win over constituents and solidify their power base. Yet as Solomon warns, "Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot. They pretend to be kind, but don't believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils. While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public" (Proverbs 26:23-25 NLT). And fools populate the body of Christ as well. Yes, you can be a believer in Jesus Christ and still live like a fool. A fool is simply someone who actively spurns the ways and overtures of God. He lives his life as if there were no God in spite of overwhelming evidence to the contrary. And the fool is one who hears God's call but refuses to listen. The Christian fool is the man or woman who is spiritually lazy, avoiding the effort demanded to live according to God's standards. They refuse to spend time in God's Word, making up all kinds of excuses. They want the benefits of godliness without putting in any effort. They learn to cover what is really in their hearts with "smooth words." They pretend to be something they're not. And they are a danger to the body of Christ. Foolishness is the opposite of wisdom. It is the natural and unavoidable consequence of a life lived apart from the life-changing wisdom of God found in His Word. Avoid the fool at all costs. Avoid foolishness at all costs.
Father, open my eyes to the presence of fools around me, including in my own home. But never let me assume that I am not fully capable of being a fool myself. Keep me in Your Word. Teach me the value of Your wisdom. Never let me live as if You don't exist and when I attempt to be my own god, knock me off my pedestal quickly. Amen.
Ken Miller
Grow Pastor & Minister to Men kenm@christchapelbc.org