Fools

Read Proverbs 26:1-12

Proverbs 26:11
As a dog returns to its vomit,
so fools repeat their folly.

My son had the stomach flu recently and I caught the bug yesterday. Vomit and stomach upset (with the runs) are the symptoms – which led me to think about this verse. I actually have seen a dog eating its own vomit (not my dog thankfully) but it was the most unpleasant sight.

Like snow and summer, honour and fools simply do not go together. It is hard to respect a fool because his actions just do not warrant it. Encouragement will not work on a fool. Encourage him and he will increase only his foolishness. The way to handle a fool is strict correction, according to Proverbs 26:3. Fools only understand through consequences of punishment.

Solomon advises his readers not to trust a fool with words and explanations because it will cause more confusion and trouble (26:4-9). The definition of a fool comes down to verse 11 which compares a fool to a dog who returns to its vomit. A fool is one who is beyond correction and guidance”. He will persist in his own ignorant ways.

The Bible is clear: have nothing to do with a fool because he has decided to stick to his mistakes like a dog licking up his vomit.