A bear deprived of her cubs was proverbially one of the most dangerous animals in the ancient world (see 2 Samuel 17:8). The comparison is shocking: the proverb says that encountering such a bear is preferable to encountering a fool in the middle of their foolishness. Folly in full expression causes unpredictable, serious damage — to the fool and everyone around them. This is a warning both to avoid fools in their folly and to never become one.
Memory phrase: Folly is very dangerous.
Talk about it: Why is a fool acting foolishly so dangerous?
Prayer: God, save me from foolish choices.