Proverbs 17:12
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.
Original Language Analysis
פָּג֬וֹשׁ
of her whelps meet
H6298
פָּג֬וֹשׁ
of her whelps meet
Strong's:
H6298
Word #:
1 of 7
to come in contact with, whether by accident or violence; figuratively, to concur
בְּאִ֑ישׁ
a man
H376
בְּאִ֑ישׁ
a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
וְאַל
rather than
H408
וְאַל
rather than
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
5 of 7
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
Cross References
Hosea 13:8I will meet them as a bear that is bereaved of her whelps, and will rend the caul of their heart, and there will I devour them like a lion: the wild beast shall tear them.2 Samuel 17:8For, said Hushai, thou knowest thy father and his men, that they be mighty men, and they be chafed in their minds, as a bear robbed of her whelps in the field: and thy father is a man of war, and will not lodge with the people.
Historical Context
Ancient Near East had dangerous wildlife—lions, bears (2 Samuel 17:8, 2 Kings 2:24). Shepherds regularly faced such threats (1 Samuel 17:34-35). Everyone knew encountering an enraged bear meant probable death. This proverb's shocking comparison—even that is better than a fool—emphasizes folly's destructive power. Fools caused community disasters through violence, false witness, bad counsel (Rehoboam's foolish advisors, 1 Kings 12).
Questions for Reflection
- Why are fools more dangerous than wild beasts, and how does this affect whom you associate with?
- What characteristics of fools in their folly make them so destructive?
- How can you ensure you're not being the fool others should avoid?
Analysis & Commentary
Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly. A mother bear whose cubs have been taken is proverbially dangerous—violent, irrational, unstoppable. Yet this proverb says meeting such a beast is preferable to encountering a fool in full folly. Why? Bears are predictably dangerous; fools are unpredictably destructive. Their irrationality, pride, and moral blindness make them more dangerous than wild beasts. Believers should avoid fools (Proverbs 14:7) and pursue wisdom through Christ (1 Corinthians 1:30).