Proverbs 14:9a, Fools’ Folly

August 7, Proverbs 14:9a

Luke 17:26-37 “I sent unto you saying, Oh, do not this abominable thing that I hate” (Jer. 44:4).

Fools’ Folly

The folly of Fools continues to be the theme. 14:7 shows that time spent with fools is unprofitable, in 14:8 it leads to deception, and in 14:9 it is downright wicked. What a verse this is! The world’s systems are a living commentary on the truth of this ancient proverb. Mock and scorner are from the same root. Mock is singular, while Fools is plural. Now, since sin (guilt or sin-offering) is the only other singular noun, some turn this verse to read, Sin makes a mock of fools. While this is true enough, it sets this proverb on its head. “The singular verb can, in Hebrew, be harnessed to a plural subject” (Kidner). This individualises the fools, giving the excellent meaning, Every fool mocks at sin. Thus the contrast is between the noisy crowd of fools, each one of whom makes a mockery of his guilt, and the favour that rests upon the righteous. To mock at the sin-offering, the atonement, leaves sinners with no other remedy for their sin! A great fool mocks at sin!

1. What Madness! Can any words better express the depravity of human nature? Sport at sin! horrible thought, for sin aims at nothing less than the destruction of God! See the Philistines mocking pitiful Samson. Worse still, behold vile “king” Herod and his merry men mocking The King (Lk. 23:11; Jn. 19:19). So blind is man! If those brave warriors had witnessed Gethsemane or Calvary, they would still have mocked, if only to cover their own confusion (Mt. 26:36-38; 27:46-49; 1 Pet. 3:20). Is it not madness to mock at other men’s sins and make them an object of jest? Is it not even greater madness to mock at one’s own sins as of slight consequence? George Herbert, that mystic poet, penned:

None shall in hell such bitter pangs endure
As those who mock at God’s way of salvation.
Whom oil and balsams kill, what salve can cure?
They drink with greediness a full damnation.

2. What Meanness! Oh! that this proverb were blazed across the skies. Yet, if they believe not Moses and the prophets neither will they believe this warning. “Sinners, spider-like, draw poison out of the sweet flower of God’s grace.” What meanness is this that a sinner should turn God’s mercy into an excuse for more sin! The word used for sin may refer to the sin-offering, provided by God’s grace, for OT saints to make satisfaction for sins committed both Godward and manward (Lev. 6:1-7). Yet, the offering only mocks these sinners because it is a mere legalism. Repentance and desire for amendment of life are ignored. The offering becomes a sheer mockery, an empty ritual, and afterwards, it is the sin-business as usual. “Repentance looks upon the past with a weeping eye, and upon the future with a watchful eye.” This absence only proves their unbelief and meanness. Fools make light of sins, but in so doing they have counted the blood of the covenant an unholy thing, and done despite unto the Spirit of grace (Heb. 10: 29).

Thought: “Sin dies most where faith lives most.”

Prayer: Lord, keep me always alert to the danger of mocking sin.