No matter how hard you try, you can’t force real change in someone who refuses to learn. The proverb uses the image of grinding grain in a mortar with a pestle—a harsh, thorough process—to say that even if you “pound” a fool, their foolishness won’t leave them. The Hebrew word for “fool” is kesil, meaning someone who is stubbornly closed to wisdom or correction.

This verse challenges the belief that people always change when they face tough consequences. In both ancient and modern times, it’s common to think discipline or punishment will fix someone. But the proverb insists that some people hold onto their ways no matter what happens to them.

If you’ve ever tried to help someone who keeps repeating the same mistakes, this proverb is both sobering and freeing. It’s a reminder that you can’t force growth on anyone—they have to want it themselves. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is accept your limits and focus on your own choices.