Parenting by the Book
STUDY 307
Text: Proverbs 26
13 May 2007
Dear Parents,
THE PURPOSE BEHIND IT ALL
The image of “the fool” has been given a real drubbing in the Book of Proverbs. What is the purpose behind these candid and vivid descriptions of “the fool”? The aim of these proverbs is to alert the fools as to the dangerous paths he is treading on. If only the fool can just open his eyes, he might well have his life turned around for the better!
STARK COMPARISON
The following text is another example of how stark comparisons are made in the hope of waking the fool from his folly!
As a dog returns to his own vomit,
So a fool repeats his folly.Proverbs 26:11
1. An observation about dogs
a) It is a fact that dogs eat their own vomit.
b) But only because it is a dog!
2. The human being
a) He is not a dog.
b) He does not have to behave like a dog.
c) He may have done foolish things.
d) But he does not have to repeat his folly!
IS THERE ANYONE WORSE THAN A FOOL?
This is a good and important question to raise up. The answer may be found in the following text.
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes?
There is more hope for a fool than for him.Proverbs 26:12
1. There is hope yet for “an ordinary fool”.
2. That which is worse is surely “a conceited fool”.
3. He takes vain pride in his folly!
Prayerfully,
Pastor Charlie