Dog

Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly. Proverbs 26:11 ESV

The rather disgusting imagery of this proverb is quoted by Peter in one of his letters. He uses it to condemn false teachers. They know the truth but chose to peddle lies instead. 

Unless God intervenes and turns a fool's life around, he's going to remain a fool. He's going to keep repeating the same mistakes again. A rather more tame illustration would be to say he's like a dog chasing its tail. 

I live in a culture that venerates dogs as beloved family pets- after all, "a dog is for life, not just for Christmas". But they're not the brightest of animals. 

To be compared to such a waif and stray in Solomon's time wasn't a complement! If, having been called by God to leave a life of folly, we go back to it, more fool us! We can't expect God to let us off if we utterly forsake Him. There's no back door into the heavenly city! 

"Most wise God, don't let us remain in our folly when You've called us to so much better than that. Forgive our foolish ways, and welcome us into Your heavenly city we pray, in Jesus' name, amen"