As he that binds a stone in a sling, so is he that gives honor to a fool.
The sling is used to hurl stones in hunting or warfare. Of course, David knew how to use a sling, and we assume Solomon was versed in its function as well. If some foolish soul were to tie the stone up securely in the sling, the stone would not be properly released at the critical moment. Such foolish actions would probably result in serious injury to the fellow handling the sling. There really are people in the world lacking basic, common sense. Take the genius who jams a rod into the muzzle end of the gun for example; he advances a bullet into the chamber and pulls the trigger. Of course, the resultant explosion in the barrel will do catastrophic damage to the man holding the gun. This is the sort of analogy used for the fellow who gives honor to a fool. When you honor a fool, it undermines your own credibility. Initially, others may not be aware of the fact that the man you honor is a fool, but when others discover the true character of the fool whom you honored, they will think less of you.
Many of the Nazi officers who fawned over Adolph Hitler saw their reputations ruined after World War II. Some were imprisoned. Many left the country in shame and spent their remaining years in South America. Sadly, they chose to honor the wrong man, a godless, Nietzschean megalomaniac who sought to build a utopia without Christ. When will men learn that all these socialist schemes will end in ruin? Be careful how much honor you bestow on arrogant university professors, entertainers, politicians, and pastors. The honor should be commensurate with the position the man retains and his character. And no man must ever receive more honor and glory than the King over the whole earth—the living, resurrected Christ of God. This is why Christians will worship Jesus Christ daily and gather weekly on the day that we celebrate His resurrection from the dead.
1. Why is it important not to give too much honor to certain people?
2. Why do you think people gave Adolph Hitler so much honor?