The book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom, a collection of pithy expressions of practical advise. As I am contending in the theme for this sermon series, it is a compendium of guidance for daily living. Because it is a book of wisdom, it shouldn't surprise us that a lot is said about fools and foolishness. The word fool as singular or plural appears at least fifty five times in the book, and foolish or foolishness at least twenty one times. In this 26th chapter from which we have read our text, fool and fools appear eleven times. We may call this "the fool's chapter." Not only here in chapter 26, throughout the book, there are colorful and suggestive references to fools and foolishness. Proverbs 17:28 is a powerful word for us: " Even fools who keep silent are considered wise; when they clo…