Shocked into reality

Some people listen to sound advice because they realise it is best for them to act, but others may need to be shocked into reality. In line with this statement, I think some Proverbs are written to create a 'jarring image' in the mind of the hearer, that hopefully they will listen and respond appropriately. Take these two for example:

"It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to meet a fool doing foolish things." - Proverbs 17:12

"Starting a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before a fight breaks out." - v.14

What do you think? Are you the kind of person who prefers to listen at the first warning bell, or do you need to be shocked into reality?

"Fools measure actions, after they are done, by the event; wise men beforehand, by the rules of reason and right. The former look to the end, to judge of the act. Let me look to the act, and leave the end with God." - Joseph Hall

"The fool wanders, a wise man travels." - Thomas Fuller

Living in Grace
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