St. Raphael Parish

Chapter 26: 1-28: The Foolish and the Wise
Verses 1-3: Proverbs describe the ‘fool’ as one who ignores wisdom, foolishness as a character flaw, on the other hand the wise are equipped with wisdom of the sages. The fool forfeits his honor or dignity as a human being. The fool needs a ‘rod for the back’ which could mean corrective punishment for criminal or immoral behavior, a reprimand that offers opportunity to reform; however, Proverbs don’t show much confidence in changing a ‘fool’s’ character! Attempt to change a fool is like a bird trying to fly but is incapacitated; Proverbs seem to give up on fools. Adverse weather damages crops, snow in summer or rain during harvest, similarly, honoring a divisive person signals something rotten in the one who does it. Ancient world believed in the power of curses, but an innocent person is free from negative power of speech [words]; the wise use power of words to heal and establish harmony.
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