Pro 26:3 | KingComments | STEP | “Fools” are as difficult to urge and control as “the horse” and “the donkey”. Neither fools, nor these animals, respond to words. The animals must be driven by “a whip” and “a bridle” (cf. ; ). The fool must be called to order by the rod because he cannot be appealed to his reason. He must not be given authority, but authority must be exercised over him. The comparison with the animals mentioned makes it clear that the fool has lost his human dignity and must be treated in the same way. We can apply this spiritually to “empty talkers and deceivers” ( ), whom we can see as fools. Strict action must be taken against them: he “must be silenced” ( ). We can consider that strict action against them as the use of the rod.

‏ Proverbs 26:3

A Fool Is Like a Mule Without Understanding

“Fools” are as difficult to urge and control as “the horse” and “the donkey”. Neither fools, nor these animals, respond to words. The animals must be driven by “a whip” and “a bridle” (cf. Jam 3:3 ; 7-8; Psa 32:8-9). The fool must be called to order by the rod because he cannot be appealed to his reason. He must not be given authority, but authority must be exercised over him. The comparison with the animals mentioned makes it clear that the fool has lost his human dignity and must be treated in the same way.

We can apply this spiritually to “empty talkers and deceivers” (Tit 1:10), whom we can see as fools. Strict action must be taken against them: he “must be silenced” (Tit 1:11). We can consider that strict action against them as the use of the rod.