Read Proverbs 17:10–15
Questions from the Scripture text: What is effective upon a wise man (Proverbs 17:10a)? What are less effective upon whom else (verse 10b)? What does the evil man seek (Proverbs 17:11a)? With what response from God (verse 11b)? What is even more dangerous than what else (Proverbs 17:12)? What wicked thing might a man do (Proverbs 17:13a, Proverbs 17:15a)? With what result for him (Proverbs 17:13b, Proverbs 17:15b)? What happens when strife begins (Proverbs 17:14a)? So, when should it be stopped (verse 14b)?
How must a fool be handled? Proverbs 17:10–15 looks forward to the midweek sermon. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that a fool must be rebuked and disciplined for his own good, carefully engaged at the optimal times, and not quarreled with but also not vindicated.
In Proverbs 16:31–17:6, we learned how to respond to the godly and wise. Now, having considered the harmfulness of the fool (Proverbs 17:7-9), we are instructed bout how to deal with a fool.
Fools need rebukes and blows, Proverbs 17:10. But the fool is not like the wise. We must not expect it to have an effect easily or quickly. Still, the evil man is in great danger; if he continues in his rebellion, the cruel messenger (death) will ultimately punish him (Proverbs 17:11; cf. Proverbs 16:14, Proverbs 2:18). It is for the sake of both others, and for the fool himself, that he must be both rebuked and punished. Covering transgressions with love (Proverbs 17:9) must not be permitted to mean sweeping folly under the rug.
Fools must be handled with care, Proverbs 17:12. In the midst of his folly, the raging fool is uniquely dangerous. He is one who rewards evil for good (Proverbs 17:13a) to the Lord, most of all, but also to men, and even to the rest of the creation. Not only will death be sent against him (Proverbs 17:11b) in a definitive way, but hard providence will continually befall those associated with him (Proverbs 17:13b). Therefore, the one who handles him must be careful.
Fools must not be permitted to prolong a quarrel, Proverbs 17:14. One of the best ways to avoid the fool in the particular condition in Proverbs 17:12 is to drop quarrels preemptively (Proverbs 17:14b). Not everything that the fool wants to quarrel over is worth it, and once the damage is done, it cannot be undone (verse 14a), so don’t take the bait. This must be balanced, however, with the strength to maintain justice. The one who is in authority does not have the liberty to permit the fool to be justified, or to condemn the just (Proverbs 17:15a). This would be to have a contention with God Himself (verse 15b)! It is part of the burden of leadership to take both (prevention of contention and maintenance of justice) into proper consideration.
What fools must you deal with? How are they receiving the rebukes and blows that they need? If you are the fool, how are you receiving these? When are the fools that you are dealing with most “dangerous”? How are you managing your engagement with them to navigate those moments? How skilled are you at dropping quarrels? In what situations are you responsible for maintaining justice?
Sample prayer: Lord, we thank You for Your patience with our folly. Forgive it, for Christ’s sake, and deal wisely with us until our folly has been eliminated. Give us grace to deal properly with others when they are foolish, and thus make us to be a blessing to our family, our church, and our community, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested Songs: ARP14 “Within His Heart the Fool Speaks” or TPH400 “Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me”
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