Proverbs 26:8
As he that bindeth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honour to a fool.
Original Language Analysis
כִּצְר֣וֹר
H6887
כִּצְר֣וֹר
Strong's:
H6887
Word #:
1 of 7
to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive
כֵּן
H3651
כֵּן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
נוֹתֵ֖ן
so is he that giveth
H5414
נוֹתֵ֖ן
so is he that giveth
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
5 of 7
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
Historical Context
Ancient warfare used slings effectively (David and Goliath - 1 Samuel 17). Binding stone defeats purpose. Similarly, honoring fools defeats honor's purpose - it should reward and encourage virtue, not vice. Modern culture's celebrity worship often gives honor to fools, producing exactly the predicted harm. Scripture teaches honoring whom honor is due (Romans 13:7), not indiscriminately.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'fools' are you honoring (following on social media, financially supporting, imitating) to everyone's detriment?
- How can you ensure you're giving honor appropriately to those who deserve it?
- What does it mean that you might be the 'fool' who can't handle honor well if given it prematurely?
Analysis & Commentary
Binding a stone in a sling is like giving honor to a fool. The Hebrew 'tseror even' (bind stone) in 'margemah' (sling) creates absurd image. Slinging requires stone to release; binding it makes sling useless or dangerous (stone might swing back and hit user). Honoring fools is similarly counterproductive - it doesn't help them and may harm those who honored them. Fools can't handle honor properly. Wisdom withholds honor from those who'll misuse it.