I hope you’re all doing well today. Welcome to another episode of NachDaily, with Mishlei Perek 26.
Unlike the previous perakim that we’ve learned, this one has longer allegories spread over many pessukim.
The chapter opens by urging us not to give honor to a fool. Not only is it improper, but giving honor to someone who’s ignorant is like “snow in the summer,” completely unproductive. A fool is like rain during the harvest, like a wandering bird. Certainly engaging in conversations with cynical, unwise people is beneath you. Being seen with a fool in public encourages people to consider you his equal. People with a cynical attitude towards life make fun of wisdom when it comes their way and mock holiness.
Wisdom is difficult for these types of people to understand because they distort the truth and bend logic/wisdom to fit their own needs. Moral relativism causes them to disdain wisdom. Even if they see it in front of them, they deflect it with “sophistication” and philosophy.
The perek then discusses the plight of those who are lazy. They constantly procrastinate and push things off, not accomplishing what they would have wanted in life.
The perek also discuss those who often find themselves entangled in negative, embattled relationships.
Verses 18 and 19 are so relevant to our times: “K’mislaleha hayoreh zikim chitzim vamaves, kein ish rima es rei’eihu, v’amar halo misachek ani - Like one who exerts himself in hurling sparks of fire, arrows and death, so is the man who deceives his friend and says, “ I was just joking.’”
Often people want to injure others, but point, aim, and hurl insults like an arrow under the guise of, “I was just joking.” Many people suffer emotional grief, pain, and sorrow under the facade of a joke.
The Gr’a and the Ramad Walli explain that this passuk refers to the Yetzer Hara, who tries to attack a person with all sorts of “cleverness.”
The chapter winds down by comparing an argument to a fire. When we stop adding wood to a fire, it eventually becomes extinguished. When we stop adding anger and arguing, the fire of the argument will slowly die down. Refusing to add fuel to the fire helps to prevent the feelings of resentment and hurt from continuing.
Stay tuned to the next episode of NachDaily. We’ll be moving on to Mishlei chapter 27. We're almost done with Mishlei!
Thank you for listening, and have a wonderful day.
