Saying number 10 is from Proverbs 23:9.  It says, “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.”

The Hebrew word for fool in this verse is Strong’s number 3684 K’siyl.  It means fat, stupid, arrogant one. The understanding is one full of himself. 

This Hebrew word is used in the following verses:

Proverbs 10:23 says, “Doing wickedness is like sport to a fool, and so is wisdom to a man of understanding.” The word sport means laughter, joyful, etc…in other words it brings pleasure to a fool to do wickedness. On the converse, to a man of understanding, wisdom brings him pleasure, joy and laughter.

Proverbs 26:4-5 says, “4 Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will also be like him. 5 Answer a fool as his folly deserves, that he not be wise in his own eyes.” These verses seem very contradictory at the initial reading.  But as you study it out and see the uses and patterns of this word in its context, you realize that verse four is saying we are not to answer this type of fool (one full of himself, stupid or arrogant) as if approving of his actions lest we become like him.  Verse five is indicating that if you will answer this kind of fool by reproof they may realize their foolishness and be corrected.

Proverbs 3:35 says; “The wise will inherit honor, but fools display dishonor.”

Proverbs 29:9 says, “When a wise man has a controversy with a foolish man, the foolish man either rages or laughs, and there is no rest.” This particular verse is a different Hebrew word but it has the same meaning as K’siyl with the added definition of one who despises wisdom. We can all have a foolish reaction from time to time and respond with defensiveness; however, in light of these verses we looked at today, may we be encouraged to allow the Spirit of Wisdom to fill us so that we will choose a wise and understanding response in controversy or conflict and then we will have rest or peace.  As Proverbs 10:23 says, a man of understanding gets joy, laughter and pleasure to walk in wisdom.

Have a blessed and shalom filled day!!

Tammy

Shalom & Blessings,

Courtesy of
River of Life Tabernacle
Tammy McLendon
Great peace have they who love Your law. Psalm 119:165a