December 27th, 2025
Scripture – “Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both.”
Proverbs 27:3 NIV
Observation —
Stone and sand are weighty and difficult to carry, yet the emotional weight caused by a fool’s provocation is even greater.
Application —
Some people sincerely want to engage in thoughtful conversation — to understand what you believe and why. Those discussions can be stretching and even uncomfortable, yet you leave feeling respected, encouraged, and more connected to that person.
An encounter with a fool is very different. You walk away hurt, questioning whether they care about you at all and unsure of their intentions. The interaction lingers in your mind, disrupts your peace, and weighs down your thoughts — and that is why the provocation of a fool is so heavy.
Prayer —
Lord, You give us wisdom about how to respond to fools. Give us discernment to recognize whether we are speaking with someone who is simply uninformed or someone who is acting with harmful intent — and help us respond in a way that honors You.
What are you doing? Do it better 