Plural Fools

(Pro 17:21 KJV)  He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

This verse has two different Hebrew words translated “fool.”  The first “fool” (3684) is very common in Proverbs.  A quick count comes up with forty-nine times.  This word is a noun and includes the idea of stupidity or dullness. 

The second word for “fool” (5036) is used only three times in Proverbs, twice in this chapter.  I noted elsewhere that the root of this word is skin bottle.  This is the type of container that Jesus refers to when He talks about old and new wine skins (Mark 2:22).  It implies the loss of flexibility and ability to adapt that is found in old material.  The word is an adjective.  As an adjective it modifies all it touches.

Does Solomon use two different words as a literary device for variety or is he making a point?  The answer is, “Yes.” 

So?  The fool often doesn’t realize it.  The only way to avoid being a fool is to saturate yourself with wisdom.  The only source of real wisdom is in the Word.  Start building an antidote today.