1. Fools (1-12)

There are many proverbs which describe the folly of a fool. A man who is wise in his own eyes is a fool. A fool curses good men, but his curse is ineffective (2). We must deal wisely with proud fools, or our efforts to help them become worse than useless (1,3-12). A fool never humbly receives discipline or instruction. He is a fool because he doesn't learn. Because he is a fool, he repeats his folly.

2. Sluggards (13-16)

There's a lion in the road! Sluggards find the strangest excuses for doing nothing! (13)

3. Malicious men (17-28)

A malicious man has fervent lips and an evil heart. He is deceptive. Jealousy, bitterness, a crooked sense of humor, and hidden sins make a person malicious. His malice may be concealed by deception, but he will finally be exposed.

Application: Lord, cleanse me by Jesus' blood from foolish pride, laziness and an impure heart; give me a humble and diligent heart.
One Word: Don't be a fool!