Don’t Be a Prating Fool

Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.

The truth of this verse plays itself out over and over again in daily life.  As is common in Hebrew poetry, the first part of the verse stands in contrast to the last part.

If a person is wise then they will receive commandments.  “Receive” should be understood as “listen” or “obey”.  It doesn’t mean that a person will get more rules to follow, but rather it means that he/she is receptive to instruction.

On the contrary, if someone is a fool, a fall will come.  The point, in context, is that this person did not obey the commandments/instruction given and that resulted in his/her downfall.

Too many people fail to follow simple rules or advice and it brings them down.  Here is one example.  There are a number of philosophies about poverty and how to avoid it.  However, staying out of long-term poverty is not terribly complex, as economist Walter Williams has written,

Avoiding long-term poverty is not rocket science. First, graduate from high school. Second, get married before you have children, and stay married. Third, work at any kind of job, even one that starts out paying the minimum wage. And, finally, avoid engaging in criminal behavior.

  • Walter Williams, “Liberty versus the Tyranny of Socialism: Controversial Essays”, Volume 564, pg. 152

So, be wise.  The “prating fool” is one who talks a lot, but doesn’t listen.  But we need to listen to the One Who created life, for He knows best how life is to be lived.