What does Proverbs 27:22 mean?

Modern English expressions echo the sentiment of this proverb. These include phrases such as "you can't fix stupid," or, "ignorance can be cured, but stupidity is forever," attributed to various persons in different forms. In this context, foolishness and "stupidity" are not linked to intelligence, but to how one interacts with wisdom and common sense (Proverbs 8:5). Biblical wisdom starts with a proper understanding of God (Proverbs 1:7). When a person is spiritually foolish, it may take harsh consequences to open their minds (Proverbs 19:29; 22:15; 26:3). For others, no amount of disaster brings them around. Solomon's comparison to crushed grain implies that "folly" is found in the tiniest parts of the fool—it's so ingrained that it cannot be removed.

The Old Testament mentions a man using a name which literally means "fool:" Nabal. His name matched his actions, which demonstrated his folly. He refused to help David and his men when David was a fugitive and needed provisions, even after David's men had showed kindness to Nabal's shepherds. Although David's messengers greeted Nabal cordially, Nabal answered rudely and sent them away. Fortunately, Nabal's wife went to David and persuaded him not to take revenge on Nabal. She said, "as his name is, so is he. Nabal [fool] is his name, and folly is with him" (1 Samuel 25:25). Judas Iscariot was also a fool. Despite being with Jesus throughout Jesus' ministry, he betrayed His teacher. He rejected all of Jesus' teachings and miracles and sold Him to His enemies. Judas died by his own hand without having repented of his evil (Acts 1:18–19).