2d • Wisdom
Who do you Honour?
“As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.” Proverbs 26:8
Solomon continues his warning about the danger of elevating foolish people. The image is somewhat unusual: a stone is meant to be placed loosely in a sling so it can be launched toward its target. If someone were to bind the stone into the sling, the sling would become ineffective and potentially dangerous. Instead of accomplishing its intended purpose, it would create confusion and possibly harm the one using it. In the same way, giving honor to a fool is a misuse of something valuable. Honor is intended to recognize wisdom, virtue, and faithfulness, but when bestowed upon a fool, it becomes misplaced and harmful.
Throughout Proverbs, honor is closely connected with wisdom. Proverbs 3:35 says, “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” God's design is that honor follows character. When honor is given to those who reject wisdom and despise instruction, it sends a false message about what is truly valuable. It rewards the wrong qualities and encourages others to follow the same path. Just as a bound stone prevents the sling from functioning properly, misplaced honor disrupts God's moral order.
This principle is especially evident in positions of leadership and influence. Ecclesiastes 10:5-6 says, “There is an evil which I have seen under the sun... Folly is set in great dignity.” When foolish people are elevated to positions of authority, their influence often multiplies the consequences of their foolishness. The damage extends beyond themselves and affects families, churches, businesses, and even entire nations. A fool with influence can cause far more harm than a fool without it.
The life of Rehoboam provides a powerful biblical example. After the death of Solomon, Rehoboam rejected the counsel of older, wiser men and followed the advice of his foolish companions. His decision led to the division of the kingdom. Those he chose to honor and listen to contributed to disastrous consequences. This illustrates how foolishness, when elevated and empowered, often produces widespread destruction.
There is also a cultural application. Many societies celebrate individuals for their wealth, fame, athletic ability, entertainment value, or popularity while ignoring their character. Yet Scripture teaches that true honor should be tied to wisdom and righteousness. Romans 13:7 speaks of giving “honour to whom honour” is due. God calls His people to evaluate others according to His standards rather than the world's. A person may be admired by millions and still be a fool in God's sight if he rejects divine wisdom.
This verse also invites personal reflection. We should ask ourselves what qualities we honor and pursue. The people we admire often reveal the values we hold. If we primarily esteem success, power, or popularity, we may find ourselves honoring those whom God does not honor. But if we value humility, godliness, faithfulness, and wisdom, our priorities will align more closely with God's perspective.
The ultimate contrast is found in Christ. The world largely rejected and dishonored Him, while often celebrating those who opposed Him. Yet God highly exalted Him because of His perfect obedience and righteousness. Philippians 2:9 says, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him.” God's standards of honor are often very different from man's. What the world applauds may be folly, and what the world despises may be precious in God's sight.
Ultimately, Proverbs 26:8 teaches that honor is a powerful thing and should be given carefully. To honor a fool is to misuse something valuable and potentially create harm for many others. Wisdom calls us to recognize and esteem godly character, both in others and in ourselves. When honor is attached to righteousness and wisdom, it encourages what is good and reflects the values of God's kingdom. When it is attached to foolishness, it becomes as useless and dangerous as a stone bound tightly in a sling.
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Who do you Honour?
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