“As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.” – Proverbs 26:1
Wisdom misplaced
Proverbs 26:1 paints a vivid picture: snow in summer and rain during harvest are both disruptive and out of place. In the same way, honour given to a fool is inappropriate and even dangerous. But what exactly is a “fool” in the biblical sense?
In Hebrew, the word translated “fool” is “kĕciyl” (כְּסִיל). It refers to someone who is not simply ignorant, but morally and spiritually stubborn—a person who resists correction, despises instruction, and rejects God’s truth. It’s not about lack of intellect; it’s about a hardened heart.
A prime example of such a person is Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. His name literally means “fool,” and his actions confirmed it. Though David treated Nabal’s men with respect, Nabal responded with arrogance and insult. He ignored wise counsel and nearly brought disaster upon himself and his household. Only his wife Abigail’s wisdom saved the day. Eventually, God dealt with Nabal directly, and he died suddenly.
Nabal’s story shows us that fools often walk proudly and blindly into destruction.
God offers wisdom—but not all accept It
James 1:5 tells us that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Yet many choose pride, self-reliance, or worldly wisdom instead. Without Christ, every person is lost—walking in darkness, no matter how educated or successful. The apostle Paul says in Romans 1:22, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
Christ is the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). To reject Him is to embrace foolishness.
Who are the fools?
Scripture identifies various types of fools:
-
The simple fool – naïve and easily misled (Proverbs 14:15)
-
The stubborn fool – resists correction (Proverbs 26:11)
-
The arrogant fool – proud and self-sufficient (Psalm 14:1)
-
The mocking fool – scoffs at truth and wisdom (Proverbs 21:24)
Though they differ, they share a common thread: they reject God’s guidance.
Choose wisdom over folly
God desires that we walk in wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We must humble ourselves, ask for wisdom, and seek Christ daily.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for offering true wisdom through Your Word and through Christ. I repent for the times I have ignored Your voice or trusted in my own understanding. Help me walk in humility and truth. Fill me with Your wisdom so that my life honors You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures
-
Proverbs 1:7
-
1 Samuel 25:25
-
Romans 1:22
-
James 1:5
-
1 Corinthians 1:24
-
Proverbs 14:16
Choose wisdom—choose Christ. Don’t let honour find you unprepared.
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
8 April, 2025
The folly of honour without wisdom
“As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honour is not seemly for a fool.” – Proverbs 26:1
Wisdom misplaced
Proverbs 26:1 paints a vivid picture: snow in summer and rain during harvest are both disruptive and out of place. In the same way, honour given to a fool is inappropriate and even dangerous. But what exactly is a “fool” in the biblical sense?
In Hebrew, the word translated “fool” is “kĕciyl” (כְּסִיל). It refers to someone who is not simply ignorant, but morally and spiritually stubborn—a person who resists correction, despises instruction, and rejects God’s truth. It’s not about lack of intellect; it’s about a hardened heart.
A prime example of such a person is Nabal in 1 Samuel 25. His name literally means “fool,” and his actions confirmed it. Though David treated Nabal’s men with respect, Nabal responded with arrogance and insult. He ignored wise counsel and nearly brought disaster upon himself and his household. Only his wife Abigail’s wisdom saved the day. Eventually, God dealt with Nabal directly, and he died suddenly.
Nabal’s story shows us that fools often walk proudly and blindly into destruction.
God offers wisdom—but not all accept It
James 1:5 tells us that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Yet many choose pride, self-reliance, or worldly wisdom instead. Without Christ, every person is lost—walking in darkness, no matter how educated or successful. The apostle Paul says in Romans 1:22, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.”
Christ is the very wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24). To reject Him is to embrace foolishness.
Who are the fools?
Scripture identifies various types of fools:
-
The simple fool – naïve and easily misled (Proverbs 14:15)
-
The stubborn fool – resists correction (Proverbs 26:11)
-
The arrogant fool – proud and self-sufficient (Psalm 14:1)
-
The mocking fool – scoffs at truth and wisdom (Proverbs 21:24)
Though they differ, they share a common thread: they reject God’s guidance.
Choose wisdom over folly
God desires that we walk in wisdom. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” We must humble ourselves, ask for wisdom, and seek Christ daily.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for offering true wisdom through Your Word and through Christ. I repent for the times I have ignored Your voice or trusted in my own understanding. Help me walk in humility and truth. Fill me with Your wisdom so that my life honors You in all things. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Scriptures
-
Proverbs 1:7
-
1 Samuel 25:25
-
Romans 1:22
-
James 1:5
-
1 Corinthians 1:24
-
Proverbs 14:16
Choose wisdom—choose Christ. Don’t let honour find you unprepared.
