Fool Danger!

Many of us know the phrase “stranger danger”.  It is a phrase which is meant to remind us that strangers can be dangerous.  Children need to be very careful around people they don’t know.  The Bible warns us of “fool danger”, the potential of danger that comes from hanging around fools.  Let’s read Proverbs 17:10-12: 

Rebuke is more effective for a wise man
Than a hundred blows on a fool.  11 An evil man seeks only rebellion;
Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.  12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs,
Rather than a fool in his folly.

First we read that fools don’t appreciate or learn from rebuke.  We all need rebuke.  We all make mistakes….again and again and again.  Therefore, we should be willing to receive rebuke.  But fools think that whatever they are doing is right; therefore there is no need for any rebuke.  Then verse 12 really highlights “fool danger”.  I’ve never met a bear robbed of her cubs but I’ve heard stories about it.  I know enough that it is definitely not an experience I want to have.  However, proverbs tells us that a fool in his folly is more dangerous than this.  A fool in his folly most often not only hurts himself but others around him as well.  And the damage can be severe.

So let’s be careful as we encounter fools.  Let’s pray for those we know who need God’s wisdom.

In wisdom,
Eric