‘Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet a man, rather than a fool in his folly’, Prov. 17. 12

‘Let a bear robbed of her whelps meet: a man, rather than a fool in his folly’, Prov. 17. 12

The bear is a formidable beast, known for its strength and power. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of foods, including berries, plant roots and shoots, small mammals, fish, and carrion. They often store food by burying it in shallow holes.

In biblical times they would have lived mainly in the forested areas of the country, their natural colouring giving them the ability to seemingly appear from nowhere and surprise their prey. When living in close proximity to humans, they are often regarded as pests. Being omnivores, they are attracted to human foods, and their large size and relatively aggressive temperament is unsettling to those who come into contact with them.

Imagine the impact of a bear when deprived of its young! Hushai uses the figure to illustrate David and his men - ‘chafed in their minds’, 2 Sam. 17. 8. They would be embittered and exasperated, smarting at the situation created by Absalom’s rebellion. Any attack upon them would be met with the same ferocity as the bear exhibits in its mourning for its young. This is something for which the bear is known - an angry bear should be avoided at all costs!

What, then, of the fool in his folly? Why should he be considered more dangerous? The context suggests some of the traits of the fool that are to be noted and avoided. Most noticeably, the fool is impervious to correction, Prov. 17. 10. He assumes he is never wrong. Whilst the wise man is sensitive to the slightest reproof, the fool remains unmoved, even by the severest of punishments. He ploughs on in his chosen folly, ignoring any advice and counsel from others. Whilst he brims with confidence, he is empty of sense and reason. Those dragged along with him put themselves at severest risk.

The warning is sounded. Take great care what company you keep, 1 Cor. 5. 11; 2 Thess. 3. 14.