What other Proverbs emphasize the dangers of associating with fools? The bullseye of danger – Proverbs 26:10 “Like an archer who wounds at random is he who hires a fool, or who hires those passing by.” • Picture a careless archer loosing arrows into a crowd. That is what happens when we link our name, resources, or reputation with a fool—innocent people get hurt and we share in the fallout. Other Proverbs that sound the same alarm • Proverbs 13:20 – “He who walks with the wise will become wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” ‑ Company shapes destiny. Walk with fools and their ruin becomes yours. • Proverbs 14:7 – “Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his lips.” ‑ Distance protects discernment. Prolonged listening to folly erodes clear thinking. • Proverbs 17:12 – “Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.” ‑ A raging bear is less hazardous than a fool mid-meltdown. The comparison is intentional hyperbole—stay clear. • Proverbs 23:9 – “Do not speak to a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.” ‑ Dialogue with the obstinate wastes time and invites contempt. Wisdom sometimes walks away. • Proverbs 26:4-5 – “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, lest you yourself also be like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he become wise in his own eyes.” ‑ Either response is risky; interact only when it restrains greater harm, and even then guard your own heart. • Proverbs 29:9 – “If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution.” ‑ Even structured settings (court) can’t force reason on the unreasonable. Expect noise, not closure. Why Scripture repeats the warning • Folly is contagious; it normalizes reckless thinking (13:20). • Foolish talk drains us of truth (14:7). • Unchecked folly endangers everyone nearby (17:12; 26:10). • Engaging fools often fuels their pride and our frustration (23:9; 26:4-5; 29:9). Living it out today • Choose companions prayerfully; shared direction outweighs shared interests. • Limit exposure to voices that belittle wisdom—online or in person. • When interaction is unavoidable, keep conversations brief, clear, and tethered to truth. • Invest deeply in relationships with the wise; their influence guards and grows you. |
    |