Coming to Proverbs 26:3-12 today, we find more wisdom about foolishness and how to deal wisely with foolish people. This passage is all about exercising discernment – recognizing foolishness, knowing how to handle it, and applying wisdom to our decision-making about it. We read, “A whip for the horse, a halter for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!” (verse 3). Contrary to much contemporary opinion today, neither the Bible nor this verse is encouraging or condoning cruel and unusual punishment. Horses and donkeys are very strong, stubborn, and powerful animals, and their riders – who are weaker, much smaller, and less powerful – can easily direct and redirect them with just the light touch of a whip and a halter. In the same way, fools – who often demonstrate similar, foolhardy stubbornness and a stiff-neck – could be saved from their folly and managed better through the implementation of effective corporal punishment. Notice the reckless irrationality of foolish behavior: ”A fool’s message is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking violence … like a lame man’s legs that hang limp is a proverb in the mouth of a fool … like a thornbush in a drunkard’s hand, or an archer who wounds at random …” (verses 5-10). Fools have no idea how their absurdities can actually harm themselves and others. A rod to the back of fool is actually a minor investment that can pay big dividends later in his life by discouraging foolish, unintended consequences that might inadvertently and negatively affect hundreds of lives. The quality of our lives depends on the decisions that we make, and our Creator desires that we always make the right decisions. Right decisions are the opposite of foolish ones, and to make them, we need wisdom – which comes only from Him Who is eternally wise. “Fools repeat their folly” (verse 11). Learning not to make the same mistakes comes by teaching and discernment. Both represent the difference between foolishness and wisdom.
The book of Habakkuk is a sublime example of tenderness, artistic beauty, love, and compassion between God and us in our worldly dilemma. Amazingly, Habakkuk levels his complaints against God and asks, “Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong?” (cf., 1:3). Habakkuk was upset at the behavior of the leaders of Judah, and he wanted to know, “God, when are You going to do something about it?” The LORD said, “I am going to do something you would not believe, even if you were told” (verse 5). Interestingly, God calls us to believe regardless of how unbelievable it might be – and He even recognizes our dilemma. He is going to use the Babylonians – who are far more wicked than Judah – to teach Judah a lesson. God’s lesson is this: “The righteous will live by his faith” (cf., 2:4), and no matter what happens, we are always right to trust God because God always does right. In chapter 2, God says to Babylon, “Now it is your turn!” (verse 16, and he pronounces five “Woes!” (verses 6; 9; 12; 15; and 19). In chapter 3, we read Habakkuk’s incredible prayer of trust it and praise to God – no matter what happens.
Titus 2 is about biblical teaching and discernment – the means whereby we learn and the practice by which we understand the difference between right and wrong. Paul tells Titus, “You must teach what is in accord with sound doctrine” (verse 1). Unfortunately, many people today are out of touch with Scripture – which is where we find doctrine – so they know nothing about sound doctrine. This chapter relates to teaching all classes of people - men, women, children, and slaves (i.e., employees). Our “teaching about God our Savior should be attractive” to others (verse 10). As an educator, I find it very interesting how much emphasis the Scriptures place on teaching and learning. God ordains teaching and He blesses learning because He Himself is the sovereign, eternal Teacher.
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