Handling Fools
Today’s reading: Proverbs 13:1-15:33
My selection: Proverbs 14:7
Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.
My reflections: The Proverbs give instructions on how to handle dangerous people, those who are angry, devious, seductive, etc. Here is an example of instruction concerning how to handle a fool.
Walk away.
How can you tell if someone is a fool? The Proverbs give many characteristics of a fool. Without going further than chapters 13-15 (today’s reading), we see several telltale signs of a fool:
The fool brags about his own foolishness. 13:16
The fool is drawn to evil. 13:19
The fool gets his friends into trouble. 13:20
The fool gets himself in trouble by his big mouth. 14:3
The fool is deceived and does not see the connection between his folly and its consequences. 14:8
The fool does not recognize his need for God’s forgiveness 14:9
The fool is reckless and careless. 14:16
The fool hates his father’s instruction. 15:5
My challenge: Beware of the fool. He will not hear your wise advice. He will bring you down to his level if you continue in his company. Walk away.
Tomorrow’s reading: Proverbs 16:1-18:24