Though thou shouldest bray a fool in a mortar among wheat with a pestle, yet will not his foolishness depart from him.
Even if you crush a fool in a bowl like grinding wheat with a heavy tool, his foolishness still won't leave him.
This verse is saying that some people are so set in their foolish ways that even harsh correction won't change them.
📚 Historical Context
In ancient Israel, proverbs were part of a wisdom tradition attributed to King Solomon, using everyday imagery like grinding grain to convey timeless moral lessons. The metaphor of braying a fool in a mortar with a pestle draws from common agricultural practices, illustrating the stubbornness of human folly despite attempts to remove it. This reflects the broader biblical theme that true change in character requires divine intervention, not just human effort.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.