Proverbs 17:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Let a man meet a she-bear robbed of her cubs rather than a fool in his folly.

NIV: Better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool bent on folly.

NASB: Let a person meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his foolishness.

CSB: Better for a person to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his foolishness.

NLT: It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness.

KJV: Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly.

NKJV: Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.

Those who live in regions where bears are common know how dangerous they can be. Few situations are as dangerous as coming between a mother bear and her offspring. At the same time, that danger is usually avoidable. Solomon points out here that encountering fools is actually more dangerous. In the context of the book of Proverbs, "wisdom" is defined as an application of God's truth (Proverbs 1:7). Foolish people are those who reject God's truth and goodness (Psalm 14:1; Proverbs 14:16). That makes them unpredictable and capable of far worse mayhem than any mother bear.

Individual fools, or those without power and influence, are dangerous enough. Fools with power can leave lasting scars on history. In the days of the New Testament, the ruling Herods were vicious, violent fools. Herod the Great ordered the assassination of all the male children in Bethlehem and its vicinity, hoping to kill the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:14–16). Another Herod killed James the brother of John, and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he apprehended Peter and intended to kill him too (Acts 12:1–3).

Proverbs 17:7–21 continues Solomon's wise observations. These remarks touch on speech, fools, strife, true friendship, co-signing loans, love of sinning, and what a fool can expect thanks to his foolishness. Numerous comments involve errors that lead to arguments and division. Some observations make a statement and then add to it, others present vivid contrasts.

This portion of Solomon's wise sayings involves several recurring themes. Among these are the importance of controlling one's words: hasty or spiteful language can do great harm. He also notes how wisdom and foolishness tend to be self-perpetuating. Wise people seek wisdom, foolish people seem immune to it. Other important topics are the impact of ungodly children on a family and the value of integrity and common sense.

Proverbs is best understood in context with the books of Ecclesiastes and Job. In Proverbs, “wisdom” is given in short, simple, general terms. Ecclesiastes represents wisdom based on observation and experience. This often shows how the general principles of the book of Proverbs don’t apply in absolutely every circumstance. Job represents wisdom based on the experience of suffering and injustice. All three come to the conclusion that God does indeed know best, and the most sensible course of action is to follow His will.