King Solomon has taught from chapter 1 how we might observe and learn to be wise. Today in chapter 26 his focus is on the fool. “The dullard or fool is not merely a man of low intelligence. He is the kind of fool who is obtuse [that is not quick or alert in perception] because of smug overconfidence.” [Jewish Study Bible] So why spend time studying the “fool or dullard?” “Just as our Lord did not forbid us from discerning the character of fools, the Book of Proverbs commends this assessment as a necessity for those who would be wise.” [Bob Deffinbaugh]
Who is this person? He is the one that says there is no God and thus he responds according to his folly. A fool considers himself to be wise in his own eyes and is blind to the ways of truth and the giver of wisdom “Each…does what he considers to be right…in their own eyes. ”[Judges 21 They are noted by their argumentative spirit, blameshifting, ox stubbornness and when reproved lack discernment that they might learn from their mistakes. The fool is characterized by the quote: “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
Principle to glean: We should look in the mirror. If we see the warning signs of a fool don’t walk away but learn and change! [James 1]
The bottom line? “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.” [Prov 3]