Living with a fool, living like a fool.

In these two chapters, we see how we should deal with fools, and how to avoid acting like one. 

In this passage, the Hebrew word that is used for “fool” means a person who is stupid and arrogant.  They insist on their own opinions and will not accept correction.

How do we deal with such people?  Solomon tells us in verses 4-5.  I like the NASB here because it’s a bit clearer than the NIV.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. 

Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.  (Proverbs 26:4-5)

In other words, don’t get involved in shouting matches with a fool, because in most cases, they still won’t listen, and you just lower themselves to their level. 

On the other hand, do answer their arguments, but do so with wisdom, and with gentleness and respect.  By doing so, it may be possible to show them the error of their ways. 

But if they refuse to listen, and things start getting heated, don’t waste your breath any longer.  For as Solomon writes,

Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding him like grain with a pestle, you will not remove his folly from him. (Proverbs 27:22)

Also, while we are to love them, we are not to put our trust in them, whether it’s in listening to their advice (26:7, 9) or in giving them responsibility for a task (26:10).

How do we avoid becoming fools or acting like them?

Learn from your mistakes.  Be open to correction. 

As Solomon writes,

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.  (Proverbs 26:11)

So many people just never learn from their mistakes.  And as a result, they find themselves in the same kind of trouble time and again.

Be humble.  Understand that you don’t know everything, so be open to correction.  Solomon tells us as much, saying,

Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?  There is more hope for a fool than for him.  (Proverbs 26:12)

Also realize that God holds your future.  So be humble and lay your plans before him.  (Proverbs 27:1)

Don’t be lazy.  (26:13-16) 

This is a consistent theme throughout the Proverbs.  Look to your future, by taking care of your responsibilities in the present.  (27:23-27)

Avoid disputes in which you have no reason to stick your nose in. (26:17) 

All you accomplish when you do so, is to get people even more upset and to turn on you.

Watch your words. 

Don’t lie (26:18, 28).  

Don’t gossip (26:20). 

And don’t be a person that’s constantly looking for a fight (26:21; 27:15-16). 

Rather be a person that looks to bring peace to relationships.

Look beyond others’ words to their character.  (26:23-26) 

Some people have tongues that could charm you into doing anything.  But look beyond their words, and test their character.  Know the kind of person you are dealing with.

Be aware that when you make plots against people, your plans often turn back on you.  (26:27) 

Haman found this out when he plotted to kill the Jews in the book of Esther.

Pay attention to warning signs in your life.  (27:12). 

When you get the sense your life is going in the wrong direction, whether in your marriage, in your job, or whatever it may be, stop. 

Start going in a different direction. If you don’t, it could cost you everything.

Be considerate of your neighbors.  (27:14) 

Even if you’re well-intentioned, you can sour your relationships if you don’t consider when and how you try to bless them.

How about you?  Are you living wisely?  Or like a fool?