Proverbs 27:3

How do you argue with dumb? An angry fool is too dumb and stubborn to hear reason and too blind to see the consequences of his wild passion. Sand and stone are dense, very heavy for their quantity, but they are not so burdensome and oppressive as an angry fool.

It is bad enough to be near a fool that is not angry, because his or her idiocy can almost drive a wise man crazy. His arrogant and ignorant cackling is a lot of noise without any profit (Eccl 7:4-6). Solomon said elsewhere, “If a wise man contendeth with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest” (Pr 29:9). What can a wise man do?

What is a mother bear like, when her cubs have been taken away? Very dangerous! So dangerous is this provoked creature that proverbs by Solomon and of many nations assume her blind fury. But the wise Preacher said it would be better to meet her than to encounter a fool in his folly (Pr 17:12)! What can a wise man do? Stay away from fools.

A fool does not fear God. A fool has rejected the wisdom of God to guide his actions. He is dangerous to himself and all others near him. But when he is angered, usually by something ridiculously insignificant, his potential for harm is greatly increased. He is capable of anything, for there is little conscience or understanding to limit his actions.

Simeon and Levi viciously slaughtered a city of noble men for the fornication of their sister Dinah (Gen 34:25-26; 49:7). Doeg the Edomite slaughtered all God’s priests, their families, and their livestock, in rage against David (I Sam 22:18-19). Haman sought to execute genocide for the offence of Mordecai not bowing to him (Esther 3:5-6). Joab unmercifully assassinated Abner, Absalom, and Amasa in jealous folly (I Kgs 2:28-34).

The danger is clear! What can a wise man do? Avoid them for your life (Pr 9:6; 14:7)! Get away from fools and scorners. They will turn and rend you for something, so wise men avoid them as much as possible. Cast out the scorner, and contention, strife, and reproach will end (Pr 21:24; 22:10,24; 26:21; 29:22; Ps 101:3-8; Mat 7:6; Ro 16:17-18).

Do not give fools any honor (Pr 26:1,8). Neutralize them as much as possible. If they have any public influence or respect, they will use it in the day of their foolish rage to harm the innocent. Shut their mouths and put them in their place (Pr 26:5; Gal 2:4-5; Titus 1:9-16). Punish them as severely as you are able in a public way to send a loud message to others (Pr 19:25; Deut 17:8-13; I Tim 5:20). May God protect you.