The Depths of Fools

Proverbs 26:1 (KJV) As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

Reading through this chapter, there are repeated references to fools.  I found myself wondering, “Do I actually know anybody that I think is a fool?”  I drew up a blank slate.  I couldn’t think of anybody that I would just assume was a fool, at least not in my personal circle.  I could think of a lot of politicians, celebrities, reporters, authors, and so forth, but not in my personal circle.

So I looked a little deeper into what is a fool?

I’m looking at the definition of the Hebrew word it seems to focus on people who are shallow, stupid, and lacking in understanding of anything.  I think there’s a nuance that says that this is a choice and not a condition.  So who are these fools?

I think the people we need to be careful of are the ones who think they know a lot, but are really empty sacks.  We might also consider that there needs to be a bit of caution in our own hearts about sharing great wisdom, which we don’t really possess.

So?  This is where it comes home to me.  I’m not so much worried about other people being fools as I am about avoiding the condition myself.  And this is where you bring in other references, which talks about listening more than talking or being slow to speak.  Growth can be painful, but it’s better than the opposite.