v1: The damaging influence of a "little folly." See 1 Cor 5.6; Song 2.15; even as the little foxes spoil the vine, a wise and fruitful ministry can be ruined by a little folly, a church can be damaged by one rebellious member. Something sweet becomes foul smelling.

v2: Compare Matt 25.33; sheep on the right hand, goats on the left.

v3: The fool's very actions betray him; he needs to do nothing extra to be seen a fool, just his ordinary manner of life is enough.

v4: When hardship comes, don't cry out impulsively; calmness is commended.

v5-7: Those who are fit to rule don't; and fools are elected to places of authority. Sadly such circumstances are not rare. Compare Prov 19.10. One consequence of this injustice is that people are ruled badly, and suffer for the faults of others.

v8-10: The view of the pessimist; any action brings a risk. He therefore uses this as an excuse for inaction, Prov 26.27. In contrast, wisdom enables us to achieve the desired end quickly and effectively, like a sharpened axe (Prov 12.20; 27.17). The wise man weighs up circumstances, and continues, even in the face of clear difficulty.

v11-15: The fool is particularly revealed by his words, babbling, foolishness, raving madness; in the same way the unbeliever who pretends faith will be exposed.

v16-17: The importance of properly qualified leaders, and godly lifestyles. 'Goats with a lame leader do not arrive at the grass (Kikuyu Proverb, Kenya).' Selfish leaders are no blessing to the people, even to the "land."

v18: The little foxes of laziness and idleness, breaking down not building up. To do nothing is to go backwards.

v19: If money does answer everything, then we must be careful how we use it.

v20: Open criticism and secret criticism of leaders; both are condemned. 'The chief has ears like those of an elephant (Fante proverb, Ghana).'