This is the nature of the foolish man, who sets his steps in motion without discernment and thus brings foolishness into action, doing everything his heart dictates. The fool does not pause to consider consequences, nor does he seek counsel or wisdom. He is driven by impulse, emotion, and pride, trusting his own understanding rather than submitting to the instruction of the Lord.
In the book of Proverbs, foolishness is not presented as a lack of intelligence, but as a moral and spiritual condition. A fool may be clever, eloquent, or even successful by worldly standards, yet he lacks reverence for God. Scripture repeatedly affirms that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and where this fear is absent, folly inevitably takes root.
The wise Solomon explains the nature of the foolish man with vivid and even shocking imagery, comparing him to a dog that returns to its vomit. This comparison is meant to provoke reflection and disgust, emphasizing how unnatural and destructive foolish behavior truly is. Just as a dog returns to what once made it sick, the fool repeatedly goes back to actions and habits that bring harm, shame, and pain.
This repetition is one of the clearest marks of folly. The fool does not learn from experience. Even after suffering loss, embarrassment, or discipline, he returns to the same behavior as if nothing had happened. Instead of repentance, there is stubbornness; instead of correction, there is resistance. The fool convinces himself that this time the outcome will be different, though the path remains the same.
Solomon mentions a number of statements about fools throughout Proverbs, describing them as lame, incapable of walking uprightly in wisdom, and as those who tie a stone in a sling, preventing it from being thrown. These metaphors reveal how foolishness neutralizes potential. Just as a sling with a tied stone is useless, so is wisdom in the hands of a fool, because he refuses to apply it.
Chapter 26 of the book of Proverbs gathers several of these images together, painting a consistent picture of the fool’s character and destiny. At the center of this teaching, we read the following verse:
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
Proverbs 26:11
This proverb underscores the tragic cycle of foolishness. The fool is not trapped by circumstance, but by choice. He returns willingly to what corrupts him. His folly may take many forms—dishonesty, immorality, pride, anger, or arrogance—but the pattern is the same: repetition without repentance.
Time and time again, the fool puts his feet into the void and falls, because his thoughts are focused solely on committing fraud and doing evil against others. He schemes, manipulates, and deceives, believing that his actions will bring him advantage. Yet he fails to see that every dishonest step weakens his foundation and draws him closer to ruin.
The fool’s heart is always inclined toward harm, regardless of the consequences that such behavior brings. He lacks empathy and accountability. Even when confronted, he deflects blame, justifies his actions, or mocks correction. In his pride, he refuses to acknowledge fault, choosing instead to continue down the same destructive path.
Ironically, fools often believe they have acted wisely. They interpret cunning as wisdom and manipulation as intelligence. They hope to be honored, praised, or rewarded for their actions, not realizing that what they call wisdom is seen by God as rebellion. This self-deception deepens their folly and blinds them to the truth.
Scripture consistently teaches that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. The fool, however, walks in pride. He trusts himself, dismisses instruction, and resents correction. Because of this, he places himself directly under divine opposition, not blessing.
The Lord will punish the fool for his foolishness. This punishment is not arbitrary or cruel, but just. Often, the fool’s discipline comes through natural consequences. He is shamed by his own words, exposed by his own schemes, and trapped by his own devices. As Proverbs teaches, the fool falls into the pit he dug for others.
This downfall serves as a warning, not only to the fool himself, but to all who observe his life. God allows such consequences to reveal the emptiness of folly and to call others to wisdom. Even so, many fools refuse to learn, hardening their hearts further.
Therefore, brothers, it is essential that we pay close attention to our ways. Wisdom is not automatic; it is cultivated through humility, obedience, and reverence for the Lord. We must seek the wisdom that God freely grants, rather than relying on our own understanding.
Making decisions apart from God often feels empowering at first, but it leads to harsh consequences. The wise person listens, reflects, and submits to God’s guidance. The fool rushes ahead, confident in himself, only to stumble repeatedly.
If we act like the fool, we will become like dogs that return to their vomit, repeating destructive cycles in our lives. This image is meant to shock us into self-examination. Are there patterns of sin, pride, or disobedience we keep returning to? Are we ignoring God’s correction?
True wisdom calls us to break these cycles. Through repentance, humility, and dependence on God, we can turn away from folly and walk in righteousness. God’s wisdom restores, heals, and leads to life, while foolishness degrades and destroys.
May the Lord grant us discernment to recognize folly in ourselves, courage to abandon it, and humility to embrace His wisdom. In doing so, we will walk securely, avoid needless suffering, and honor God with our lives.