THIRTY SAYINGS OF THE WISE
SAYING NUMBER TWENTY
Proverbs 24:7 (ESV) reads: “Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not
open his mouth.”
What does the Bible
mean when it refers to a place called “the gate”? Well, in Genesis 19:1 the gate was the place
where men discussed business or political issues. In Deuteronomy 21:18-21 it
was a place where civil law was practiced. Even in Ruth 4 we learn that’s where
property rights were upheld. The point of the Proverb seems to acknowledge “the incompetence of fools to
speak in the gate where public policy is formulated.”[1] “If guidance and counsel help one win a
battle [as noted previously], the fool has none to give at the gate, where
public decisions and judgments are made.”[2]
Wisdom is unattainable for a fool, so says the Sage. What
is a “fool”? Notice a few passages that “fool” is mentioned
in Proverbs:
·
“The wise lay up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” (Proverbs 10:14, ESV)
·
“The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever utters slander
is a fool.” (Proverbs 10:18, ESV)
·
“Doing wrong is like a joke to a fool, but wisdom is pleasure to a man of
understanding.” (Proverbs 10:23, ESV)
·
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to
advice.” (Proverbs 12:15, ESV)
·
“Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool flaunts his folly.” (Proverbs 13:16, ESV)
·
“One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is
reckless and careless.” (Proverbs 14:16, ESV)
“Often in Scripture,
a fool is associated with wickedness and a direct denial of God (e.g., in Psalm 53:1).
Because God has infinite wisdom, the person who neglects God will naturally
miss out on wisdom—he will become a fool. A fool is anyone who does not follow
the warnings and commands of God. A fool lacks wisdom, has no concern for
others, does not desire to avoid sin, and brags about his sinful actions.”[3]
“The point here is that he is at a loss when a situation calls for
serious analysis.”[4] The Bible makes a direct correlation between
the ungodly, the moral corrupt and their ability to be trusted in their
choices. The prerequisite to wise
counsel and direction is moral aptitude than can only come from honor and
respect for God. “The verse portrays a
fool out of his element: in a serious moment in the gathering of the community,
he does not even open his mouth.”[5] In most cases that would be a blessing. Unfortunately, too often, fools don’t
understand that they are out of the league and they seek to contribute wisdom
that in the final analysis is “fool’s gold”.
The primary assertion of proverbial literature is “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7, ESV) To seek counsel and direction in civic affairs and human justice from those who deny God and live in rebellion to His will, is to invite the worst of advice or at least no advice at all. Likewise those who seek guidance in relational, therapeutic or personal matters are faced with the same concern.
Psalm 1:1 (ESV) , “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers.”
[1] Waltke, B. K. (2005). The Book of
Proverbs, Chapters 15–31 (p. 273). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B.
Eerdmans Publishing Co.
[3] https://www.gotquestions.org/fool-Proverbs.html
[4] Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible
(p. 1176). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
[5] Expositor's
Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Proverbs/Exposition of
Proverbs/IV. The Sayings of the Wise (22:17-24:34)/A. Thirty Precepts of the
Sages (22:17-24:22), Book Version: 4.0.2
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