Giving Honor to a Fool - Proverbs 26:8

In the book of Proverbs Solomon said, “the legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools”, and in chapter twenty-six and verse eight of Proverbs Solomon shared about, “he that gives honor to a fool” where we read,

As he that binds a stone in a sling,

so is he that gives honor to a fool.

The verse begins, “As he that binds a stone in a sling, ...” Solomon began with the words, “as he that binds a stone” or “similar and in likeness to the person whether male or female who ties and shuts up a hewn stone” “in a sling” which means “within a hurling slingshot”. Solomon referred to a person who ties a hewn stone into a slingshot. 

The verse continues, “... so is he that gives honor to a fool.” Solomon added the words, “so is he” or “even, also and indeed exists the person whether male or female” “that gives honor” which means “who bestows, grants and ascribes glory, abundance, riches, splendor, dignity, reputation and reverence” “to a fool” or “toward a person who is an arrogant dullard, simpleton and stupid fellow”. Solomon said in the same way a person ties a hewn stone within a slingshot, even and indeed exists the person who ascribes glory and splendor to an arrogant dullard and simpleton. 

When we think through Solomon's words in this verse, we learn how giving glory and splendor to a person who is an arrogant sluggard and foolish is as effective as tying a “stone” within a “slingshot” before using it. It just doesn't work. This is not God's way, and because He loves us, He sent His Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for our sins. When we believe and trust in Him as our “Savior and Lord”, He will forgive our sins, grant us everlasting life and guide us as to whom we should “honor” and whom we should not. 

Next time Solomon shares again about, “a parable in the mouth of fools”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

See more devotionals on the website "thewordfortodaywithray.com" or look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".