Proverbs 26 is like a police lineup of character types. Instead of photos, he uses verbal pictures. In a series of comparisons he helps add definition to the images. These mug shots should be posted on the wall and they should be labeled “UNWANTED”. He repeatedly uses similes to describe their character. He begins, “Like snow in summer…honor is not fitting for a fool“. Some things just do not go together, and he is clear that some people are not worthy of honor. He is saying that this type of person will wreck even their own celebration. Many moms have their hearts broken after saying, “maybe this time will be different”. Trusting them is like, “drinking poison” because he” wounds at random“. Understand, he is not talking about someone that simply lacks experience. This one has proven himself unreliable time after time. As with a lazy horse, or stubborn donkey, a gentle hand has no effect, “a rod for the backs of fools!“. He also provides this practical advice, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly” or you will be drawn into an unwinnable argument. He explains, this person is “wise in his own eyes“. He illustrates it this way, “Like tying a stone in a sling is the giving of honor to a fool“. There is no benefit, only frustration and wasted effort. Hoping won’t make them change. Listen friend, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly“. Is that picture vivid enough for you?
Next he describes “A sluggard“. “As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed“. He imagines reasons not to get moving, “There’s a lion in the road“. He is content to let others do everything, “buries his hand in the dish; he is too lazy to bring it back to his mouth“. This one is also “wiser in his own eyes” than everyone offering advice.
Finally, he describes the trouble-maker, “someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own“. This one is the most dangerous one of all. “Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death“. He deceives and plants discontent, but when confronted dismisses it with, “I was only joking“. Here is wisdom, “Without wood a fire goes out; without a gossip a quarrel dies down“. This one is always “kindling strife“. No matter how crazy the accusation, if we listen, we will think about it later. “The words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to the inmost parts“. They hide behind phrases like, “Don’t tell anyone, but”. Solomon warns, “In their hearts they harbor deceit. Though their speech is charming, do not believe them… Their malice may be concealed by deception“. Secrecy is their tool, “but their wickedness will be exposed in the assembly“. If you listen and play along, you too will get caught up in the plan. Here is the outcome, “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it“. He concludes, “A lying tongue hates those it hurts“. You cannot change someone else. In my experience people don’t change, with one exception; I have seen lives completely transformed by the power of God’s Holy Spirit. He does not just point out our flaws, He makes lives new. Romans 12:2 encourages, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is His good, pleasing and perfect will“. With this information you too can be armed and dangerous!