Foolish Honor

For Monday, October 8, 2007
Proverbs 26:8

Like one who binds the stone in the sling
is one who gives honor to a fool.

It is of no purpose to bind a stone in a sling. The very purpose of a sling is to hurl a stone. It makes no sense. Nor does it make sense to honor a fool, at least not to honor him for his very foolishness.

We live in a society that seems to make a point of honoring fools. Making outrageous, offensive remarks or performing the same sort of stunts earns accolades. Our society confuses offensive and foolish behavior with freedom and creativity. The clown is upheld for making his mark.

Society plays the fool just as the person who binds the stone in the sling. Gaining attention is the honor a fool most craves. It makes little difference whether the givers sincerely honor him or think they are having the last laugh. They play into the fool's hands.

Understand this principle the next time you are tempted to respond to foolish behavior or speech. The media thrives on controversy. Of greater importance than being respected is to garner attention, and no threat is greater to its well being than to be ignored. The same is true of all fools. You may honor or mock them; what they fear most of all is being ignored.