Proverbs 26 Devotional

Pastor Jason Van Bemmel

Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

www.foresthillpca.org

Proverbs 26 contains a series of proverbs about fools, followed by an answer to those proverbs. A fool acts according to his own desires, without considering God's word or thinking things through. Honor is not fitting for a fool, and a rod is more appropriate. It is important not to answer a fool in a way that makes you like him, but to show him the foolishness of his ways. This requires wisdom and discernment.

Sending a message with or to a fool is futile. Being wise in one's own eyes is worse than being a fool. A sluggard, who knows the right thing but refuses to do it, is also worse than a fool. It is important to avoid meddling in other people's quarrels. Deceiving one's neighbor, even in jest, should not be taken lightly.

Gossip undermines communities, and some people are divisive and seek to cause trouble. Be discerning of those who speak ill of others, as they may also speak ill of you. It is best to correct such people and then walk away from the conversation. Ultimately, wisdom would tell us not to be a fool, not to be wise in our own eyes, and not to associate with divisive people.