This verse is in the middle of a concentrated discussion on thoughtful interaction with those who have consistently demonstrated that they are fools. This serves as a reminder that if we are to walk in wisdom, we must make wise judgments regarding others based upon their demonstrated patterns. This is difficult to do, especially when there are close ties. However, sticking our head in the sand and pretending that repeated behavior is an anomaly does not lead to wisdom. Parents that entrust their foolish children with greater responsibility while rationalizing away their bad behavior are only fooling and drinking damage to themselves. The one thing that you can depend on with fools is that fools will not be dependable. Enabling the fool will not lead to a sudden display of dependability. Recognizing the behavior of a fool and establishing consequences for that behavior is not giving up on the individual. Instead, it is an acknowledgement and a warning that foolishness exists, and that foolishness has consequences. It is the prayer that as a result of the hardships brought on by the consequences that the fool would recognize that he is a fool and be brought to repentance.