As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly. – Proverbs 26:11

Today's Scripture Reading (November 23, 2022): Proverbs 26

South African author Mokokoma Mokhonoana noted, "There probably was a time when the idea of having a toilet inside a house was repulsive." It is an interesting concept for our contemporary minds. I must admit that now I find walking to an outhouse repulsive, but that is just me. He is right. I can just imagine the first time someone suggested an inside toilet. "You mean you want me to do that close to the place where we eat? Shouldn't a toilet be a certain distance away from the house? I am not sure that I am ready for that!" But now, we have gotten used to the idea. In fact, most of us have many toilets inside the house. My house has three, and since most of the time, it is just my wife and I living there, we always have a choice.

But that is what happens with things that we find repulsive. One day the idea of something is revolting, but the more time we spend with the concept, the less disgusting the idea gets. And if we are talking about inside toilets, that is probably a good thing. However, that reality also holds true for something we should consider repulsive.

Proverbs uses a dog returning to its vomit as an example of this idea. A dog returns to its vomit because the vomit, for some reason, is not repulsive to it (or maybe the dog just doesn't remember what it is that is lying in front of it. I don't know why; I can't get into the minds of our furry friends, but the practice is revolting to the author of the proverb and to many contemporary readers. The argument from Proverbs is that the problem with a fool is that, somehow, they have gotten used to concepts that they once likely found repulsive. As a result of that comfort, they have no problem returning to the behavior of folly they once would have rejected because the action was disgusting.

Peter uses the same principle as he describes the attractiveness of sin.

It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed returns to her wallowing in the mud" (2 Peter 2:21-22).

Their behavior shouldn't make sense to us because we have found a better way. But to a fool, the foolish action makes sense.

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Proverbs 27