Proverbs are short, memorable statements in the Bible meant to help us live wisely daily.

One of them is Proverbs 26:11: “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Wow, talk about memorable!

What principle is it trying to teach us?

We should learn from our mistakes. We should not foolishly repeat them.

The reason we need the reminder is because that is exactly what we are prone to do! We do something thoughtless or misguided, continue on our merry little way, and end up repeating it again.

It’s not pleasant to “dwell on the negative.” That’s probably why people don’t think constructively about bad decisions in their past. But this isn’t about dwelling on the negative. It’s about being honest and moving forward with greater wisdom.

Here’s a positive way to frame this same proverb. It teaches us that our lives can improve if we are paying attention and willing to learn. With that in mind, here are some helpful questions for the observant: 

-What mistakes have I made? (Be honest.)
-What did I learn from them? 
-How can I do things differently next time?

Most people will probably not ask those questions. Therefore, most people will probably return to their own vomit. (Sorry for the visual, but it’s in the Bible!)

The good news is that you’re not most people. You’re a follower of Christ who—with the help of the Holy Spirit—is intentionally growing in faith and wisdom.

Dogs will return to their vomit. You, however, are becoming wiser in the footsteps of Christ.

---

Notes:

–“As Iron Sharpens Iron: The Most Famous Proverbs, Part 2.” Sermon. July 30, 2023. Click here.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.