Solomon names some people you should avoid, and the first is the fool (vv. 1–12). You cannot change him by promotion (vv. 1, 8), correction (v. 3), or admonition (vv. 4–5). If you answer a fool, do not stoop to his level of folly or you will make him think you have elevated him to wisdom. No matter how much you correct him, he goes right back into folly (v. 11; 2 Pet. 2:22).
The second is the sluggard (vv. 13–16) who has excuses for everything. He has motion but no progress (v. 14) and is even too lazy to feed himself (v. 15)! You are wasting your time trying to help him (v. 16; 27:22).
The troublemaker (vv. 17–28) is the third problem person. This category includes meddlers (v. 17), pranksters (vv. 18–19), talebearers (vv. 20–22), and deceivers (vv. 23–28).
