Meaning & Analysis
Occasionally, even someone regarded as foolish will say something insightful or appropriate.
Insights
Unexpected Wisdom
The proverb acknowledges that wisdom and truth can sometimes come from unlikely or disregarded sources, reminding us not to dismiss good advice solely because of its origin.
Universality of Insight
It suggests that no one is wholly devoid of value or incapable of reason—every person, regardless of reputation or ability, may occasionally offer something useful or meaningful.
Fallibility of Judgment
The saying warns against the arrogance of ignoring or scorning advice based on prejudice, as truth may arise where least expected.
Historical Endurance
Citations from the 16th and 17th centuries, as well as classical Greek roots, illustrate that this recognition of accidental or hidden wisdom has long informed moral and social discourse. Such proverbs served as reminders of humility and openness in both governance and daily life.
Cross-Cultural Motif
Similar ideas appear in numerous traditions (e.g., 'A fool's bolt may sometimes hit the mark,' or tales of the wise fool), pointing to a universal human awareness that wisdom and folly are not always neatly separated.
Ethical Openness
The proverb advocates a form of ethical receptivity: sound judgment requires evaluating words and actions on their merit, not the speaker’s status, echoing related proverbs such as 'If the counsel be good no matter who gave it.'
Rhetorical Devices
Concession
The phrase concedes an exception to a general rule, making it both realistic and persuasive.
Antithesis
The stark contrast between 'fool' and 'wise word' emphasizes the proverb’s message about unexpected sources of wisdom.
Alliteration
The pairing of 'fool' and 'wise word' gives the phrase an appealing rhythm and mnemonic quality.
Transcription
Quotations
Remember the Greeke prouerbe, that oftentimes a foole maie speake to purpose.
Oftentymes euen the fole hytteth the nayle on the head and speaketh thynges in place. This prouerbe therfore admonysh-eth vs not to reiecte ne despyse an holsome and rygbt sentence spoken otherwhiles out of a rude felowes mouth.
Yet Fooles (as the Prouerbe is) sometimes speake to the purpose.
For that shallow witted ys, may some tyme counsell geue that wholesome ys, and a seely mouse a Liones may releeue.
A fool to purpose speakes sometime, you know.
Sometimes a fool gives good counsel.
Sometimes a fool may speak a word in season.
Even Fools sometimes speak shrewdly.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.