What does Proverbs 26:1 mean?

In some regions, weather is notoriously difficult to predict. In others, seasons are more reliable and so are climate patterns. Israel's weather was regular enough that a drastically unexpected event was a credible miracle (1 Samuel 12:17). The season of wheat harvest is notably dry, so rain would be a bizarre occurrence. The same would be true of snow on a sweltering summer day. Both examples represent a mismatch: two things which clearly do not belong together. In the same way, giving respect or "honor" to someone who foolishly ignores God (Proverbs 1:7; 3:35) is absurd. Snow in summer, or rain during a dry season, can also cause damage. So, too, can a fool put into a position of authority.

A fool lacks the wisdom a leader needs to govern others. He makes bad decisions (Proverbs 10:21). He condones and even promotes immorality (Proverbs 13:19; 28:15–16), and he disdains righteousness and the worship of God (Proverbs 28:14). He appoints others like himself to positions of authority (Proverbs 29:12).

A mark of foolishness seen especially in kings and rulers is false security (Proverbs 24:21–22; 30:7–9). Such a person thinks his future is secure, when his times are in God's hands; divine judgment might strike him down at any moment (Proverbs 6:12–15). In the time of the prophet Daniel, Belshazzar, King of Babylon, was a fool. He was proud, profane, and promiscuous. Following a pompous feast Belshazzar hosted, God allowed the Medes and the Persians to kill him and seize his kingdom (Daniel 5).