If the Shoe Fits

(Pro 26:1 KJV) As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.

My first reading shows three targets of the proverbs in this chapter. Later readings show more than three. The first is the “fool” (3684) {end}. The fool is the sole target of verses 1-12. Later we will come upon those wise in their own eyes (verse 12), the sluggard (verse 13), the deceiver (verse 19), the contentious (verse 21), whisperer (verse 22), the hater (verse 24) and the liar (verse 28).

It is not “seemly" (fitting NASB (5000) that we “honor” (3519b) the fool. How often do we violate this in our public meetings? How often do we praise people who do not deserve praise? All of us have been to meetings where someone is introduced with fawning. It can get embarrassing to everyone involved. We know what is said is not true and yet it continues to happen. When I am at a secular event I can make allowances, but why does it happen in the church? It is not fitting or proper. Because of this I would even be willing to lump it with sin.

Look at the categories listed above that are covered in this chapter. Recognize them for what they are. That does not mean we are supposed to insult them with the truth, but we are to avoid honoring them for what they are not.