“listen to rebuke.” The mocking fool does not listen to the rebukes that are given to him. This sometimes involves his not listening, but the verse may be also stating a deeper fact than just that. Many times the fool will sit and listen to what others tell him, but just does not “hear” it. The problem can be with his attitude, his preconceived ideas, due to demons, or perhaps for other reasons. This was the case when Jesus confronted the religious leaders. They simply could not “hear” him (John 8:43). This is why prayer is important in working with people. God knows the heart of each person and can give us accurate direction in how to help people, or whether to walk away.