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Book of Proverbs - Chapter 26 - Verse 11

26:11
As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.

Meaning

In this verse, the comparison is drawn between a dog returning to its vomit and a fool returning to his folly. Just as a dog is known to have a habit of returning to its own vomit, a fool is likened to someone who repeatedly goes back to their own foolish mistakes and sins. The verse serves as a warning against the dangers of falling back into destructive behaviors and making the same foolish choices repeatedly. It emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and striving for growth and improvement, rather than remaining stagnant in a cycle of folly. By highlighting the negative consequences of repeating foolish actions, this verse encourages readers to seek wisdom and make positive changes in their lives instead of repeating the same mistakes over and over again.

Theological Overview

Looking at the theological interpretation of the verse 'As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly', we can see that the comparison drawn here is meant to convey a strong message about the tendencies of human nature. Just as a dog that vomits will often go back and eat its own vomit, a fool will persist in returning to their foolish ways despite the negative consequences that result. The imagery used in the verse highlights the idea of repeating destructive behaviors and not learning from past mistakes. This verse warns against the futility of continuing in folly and emphasizes the importance of repentance and change. It serves as a reminder to seek wisdom and understanding, rather than falling back into patterns of foolish behavior. In essence, it is a call to break the cycle of foolishness and strive towards a life of wisdom and discernment.

American Standard Version

As a dog that returneth to his vomit, [So is] a fool that repeateth his folly.
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