Proverbs 27:3
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A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both.
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How do you argue with dumb? It is almost impossible to deal with an angry fool, for he is too dumb and stubborn to listen to reason and too blind to see the consequences of his wild passion. Sand and stone are dense materials, very heavy for their quantity; but they are not nearly so burdensome and oppressive as an angry fool. What can a wise man do?
It is bad enough to be near a fool, because their idiocy can almost drive a wise man crazy. Their arrogant and confused cackling is a lot of noise without any profit (Eccl 7:4-6). Solomon said elsewhere, "If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest" (Pr 29:9). See the comments on 29:9. What can a wise man do?
What is a mother bear like, when her cubs have been taken away? Horrifically dangerous! So dangerous is this provoked creature that proverbs by Solomon and of our own nation assume her blind fury! But our wise Preacher said it would be better to meet her than to encounter a fool in his folly (17:12)! What can a wise man do?
A fool does not fear God. A fool has rejected the wisdom of God to guide his actions. He is dangerous to himself and all others near him. But when he is angered, usually by something ridiculously insignificant, his potential for harm is horribly aggravated. He is capable of anything, for there is neither conscience nor understanding to limit his actions.
Simeon and Levi viciously slaughtered a city of noble men for the fornication of their sister Dinah (Gen 34:25-26; 49:7). Doeg the Edomite slaughtered all God's priests, their families, and their livestock, in rage against David (I Sam 22:18-19). Haman sought to wipe out a people for the offence of Mordecai not bowing to him (Esther 3:5-6). Joab unmercifully assassinated Abner, Absalom, and Amasa in jealous folly (I Kgs 2:28-34).
The danger is clear! What can a wise man do? Avoid them for your life (9:6; 14:7)! Get away from fools and scorners. They will soon turn and rend you for something, so wise men will avoid them as much as possible. Cast out the scorner: and contention, strife, and reproach will end (21:24; 22:10,24; 26:21; 29:22; Ps 101:3-8; Matt 7:6; Rom 16:17-18).
Do not give them any honor (26:1,8). See the comments on 26:1 and 26:8. Neutralize them as much as possible. If they have any public influence or respect, they will use it in the day of their foolish rage to harm the innocent. Shut their mouths and put them in their place (26:5; Gal 2:4-5; Titus 1:9-16)! Punish them as severely as you are able in a public way to send a loud message to others (19:25; Deut 17:8-13; I Tim 5:20). Lord, help us.
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