The Prating Fool, Prov 10:8

According to Prov 10:8, the prating fool shall fall.  See also Prov 10:10.  To prate is to talk long and idly: chatter.  Websters 1828 defines prate as to talk much and without weight, or to little purpose.  To run on.  A prating fool talks so much he can’t or won’t hear.  As Prov 1:7 fools despise wisdom and instruction.

We have met many prating fools while witnessing.  As soon as the conversation turns to the gospel, they light up the conversation with pure foolishness. 

The only thing a prating fool seems to hear and receive is more of the same foolishness he already believes.  Prov 15:14 says, the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.  And since foolishness is his steady diet, then foolishness will be all he talks about.  As Prov 15:2 says, the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.  And he will go on and on.  Prov 29:11 says, a fool uttereth all his mind.  

The consequence of being a prating fool is:

Disclosure – Prov 13:16 a fool layeth open his folly.  You figure out pretty quickly that you are dealing with a fool.  Contrast Prov 17:28 which says, even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.  At this point, if a fool will accept that he is a fool and begin to listen, he can become wise.  In Prov 8:5 wisdom addresses the simple and fools. O ye simple, understand wisdom: and, ye fools, be ye of an understanding heart.  A fool would have to quit talking and start listening. 

Discord – Prov 18:6 a fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.  That’s because he thinks he’s right.  Prov 12:15 the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.  So, rather than listen to the truth you are proclaiming, he’s ready to fight you for the foolishness he believes.

Downfall – Prov 10:8 the prating fool shall fall.  The reason he falls is found in Prov 14:3 which says, in the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride.  And according to Prov 16:18, pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.

Destruction – Prov 10:14 the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.  Sadly, the prating fool destroys himself with his own mouth.  Prov 18:7 says, a fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.  Because of his foolishness and refusal to hear the gospel and receive Jesus, he faces the eternal consequence of hell.

Conclusion: If you are a fool, Prov 9:6 says, Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.  This is what you need to do.  If a fool doesn’t then Prov 14:7 says, Go from the presence of a foolish man, when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge.  Prov 23:9 says, Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.