𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐬 𝟏𝟗:𝟏𝟎 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦𝐥𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐨𝐥; 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬.

Fools do not deserve favor, liberty, or reward; it is not appropriate or right for them (Pr 26:1). A man without wisdom or that does not rule his spirit should instead be rebuked and punished (Pr 18:6; 19:19; 26:3). Fools should not be allowed joy or privileges, because honor or pleasure encourages them to continue in their folly (Pr 1:32; 10:13).It is even worse when employees take liberties with employers or citizens do so with rulers. Employees and citizens should know their place, stay in their subordinate roles, and yield to the office and person over them. God and Solomon compared those that leave their place to a bird wandering from its nest, which brings much harm (Pr 27:8). Solomon was a good king over Israel, and he taught wisdom by use of these proverbs. To promote wisdom in a nation, fools must be dishonored, rebuked, and punished. If this practice is not followed, then folly will become acceptable or even honorable, which will destroy the glory and success of a nation. Furthermore, the essential respect of authority requires servants and princes to keep their respective offices and roles without confusion.It is ridiculous to honor fools and allow them freedom or pleasure. Folly is despicable and damning, so fools should be despised and punished. Any other action encourages fools in their folly and discourages the pursuit of wisdom. It sends the wrong message to the nation, especially the young and impressionable. It is better to punish fools, for it has a wonderful effect on observers (Pr 19:25; 21:11; Deut 13:6-11; 21:18-21; I Tim 5:20).America exalts fools and folly. Actors and actresses, the most lascivious and least productive members of society, are called stars. Grown men playing children’s ball games are worshipped as heroes. Rap is called music and allowed on the airwaves. Picasso is hailed as an artist. University students are polled for opinions. Gambling is accepted as a legitimate vacation. Sodomy is called gay. Adultery is called an affair.Comedians are a profession. Bonnie, Clyde, Jane, and Marilyn are celebrities for crime, sedition, and adultery. Sitcoms dominate primetime. Children mock and rebel against parents. The Beatles, clanging merchants of drugs and fornication, are made rich and memorialized. Fraternities are hotbeds of drunkenness and whoredom. Performing artists rail on government policy. “Beavis and Butthead” actually aired, for five years.Is it any wonder that maturity once expected in the teen years is now missing at 30? Is it any wonder that a typical American conversation is centered on movies or sports? These are the two most worthless thieves of conscience and time in the nation. Jokes in the pulpit are common, heterosexual and married parents without a divorce are nearly gone, and April Fool’s Day is a national delight. Folly has been dignified in America, and the rest of the world rushes to copy the West. Solomon would be horrified. God is angry.It is even more ridiculous to allow servants the right to question, control, or punish princes. Authority and submission to it are absolutely essential for the success of a state or any other institution. If rebellion against authority is allowed, then anarchy at all levels and in all spheres of authority will soon follow. The present disorder and dysfunction in America’s schools, homes, and other institutions are observable proofs of this result.Employees, whether hired or owned, are called servants in the Bible. Employers, whether paying or owning, are called masters. Magistrates in civil government are called princes. King Solomon, the wisest man ever, committed his life to the analysis of what is good and right for humanity. Fools being exalted, the rich being despised, princes being forced to comply, and servants taking advantage of princes all sickened him (Eccl 10:6-7).