When Wisdom Speaks, Fools Remain Silent

Day Sixty-Nine

When Wisdom Speaks, Fools Remain Silent (Read Proverbs 26:1-12)

26 Honor is no more associated with fools
    than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

² Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow,
    an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

³ Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle,
    and a fool with a rod to his back!

⁴ Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or you will become as foolish as they are.

⁵ Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools,
    or they will become wise in their own estimation.

⁶ Trusting a fool to convey a message
    is like cutting off one's feet or drinking poison!

⁷ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
    is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

⁸ Honoring a fool
    is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

⁹ A proverb in the mouth of a fool
    is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

¹⁰ An employer who hires a fool or a bystander
    is like an archer who shoots at random.

¹¹ As a dog returns to its vomit,
    so a fool repeats his foolishness.

¹² There is more hope for fools
    than for people who think they are wise.

 The term "fool" appears in every verse of this section, except for verse 2, which is why it's often referred to as "The Book of Fools." The central theme of this passage is what is appropriate and inappropriate for a fool. The assessment of what is "appropriate" and "inappropriate" suggests a moral standard, which is the standard outlined in Proverbs. We can divide this section into three parts: an introduction (vv. 1–3), the main body (vv. 4–10), and a conclusion (vv. 11–12).

"There are two kinds of fools. One says, "This is old and therefore good." And one says, "This is new, and therefore better." ~ John Brunner

Reflection:

"Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest." ~ Proverbs 26:1

The opening verse of this passage sets the tone for understanding the nature of a fool: honor and respect are as incompatible with a fool as snow in summer or rain during harvest time. These verses contrast the wise and the foolish, emphasizing that wisdom is invaluable and its absence is difficult. The fool's behavior is not just harmless silliness but a lack of understanding that has serious consequences.

One of the marks of a fool is that they don't mind sacrificing their honor. Candidly, they have none. Time and again, all around the globe, people risk it all for the illusion of escape and the pursuit of more.

Verses 4 and 5 present an interesting paradox. One says, "Don't answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are," while the other advises, "Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation." This contradiction highlights a profound truth: dealing with foolishness requires discernment. Not every foolish remark deserves a response, but sometimes silence can be misinterpreted as agreement. Wisdom knows when to engage and when to remain silent.

Withdrawing from the debating society and choosing not to use the tongue, pen, text, email, or social media is often wise, especially during the political season. Foolishness spreads through every form of communication, especially in political times, arriving uninvited and at incredible speeds. Data traveling between network equipment moves at about two-thirds the speed of light or 200 kilometers per millisecond.

A 2018 study published in Science found that false news travels faster than accurate news on Twitter. For instance, false stories can reach 1,500 people about six times faster than accurate stories and achieve a cascade depth of 10, about 20 times faster than facts. It's clear that Proverbs accurately captures the essence of a fool and the quickness of "Fake News." 

The passage describes a fool as someone who stubbornly persists in their own misguided ways, ignoring correction or advice. Verse 11 paints a vivid picture: "As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness." This illustration reminds us that a fool will repeatedly make the same mistakes without a change of heart and a pursuit of wisdom. Have you ever witnessed a dog eating its own vomit or poop? YUCK!

"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." ~ Albert Einstein

Verse 12 highlights a critical point: "There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise." The fool may act out of ignorance, but the one who is proud and thinks they know everything is in even greater danger. This verse warns us about the dangers of pride and self-righteousness, highlighting that a teachable spirit is crucial for growing in wisdom.

"The proud wish God would agree with them. They are not interested in changing their opinions to agree with God's." ~ Ezra Taft Benson

Reflection Questions:

• Are there areas where you've acted foolishly, stubbornly resisting correction, or repeating the same mistakes?
• How do you respond when confronted with foolishness? Do you exercise discernment in deciding when to speak and when to remain silent?
• Are you open to correction and advice, or do you believe you already know everything?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, please help me be wise in my interactions with others. Please grant me the discernment to know when to speak and remain silent. Guard my heart against pride and self-righteousness. May I always be teachable and open to your correction, seeking your wisdom above all. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today's Challenge

This week, make a conscious effort to listen more than you speak. Ask God to give you the wisdom to know when to engage in discussions, when to let your silence speak louder than words, and the wisdom to know the difference.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.