Who’s the fool?

There is a lot of foolishness in this world; much of Fool it is socially acceptable and counted as “normal”. It is found in the classroom, in our own lives, in our own homes, in the decisions and actions of political figures, and on the job. The world may consider a thought, action, or reason for doing something as popular, and it may even seem right in their eyes; but when lined up against God’s wisdom found in His Word, many philosophies and behaviors are downright foolishness.

What we may deem foolishness, may be just our opinion or preference. Here is a partial word study of who the Bible identifies as being a fool:

A person that tears down what she has, rather than being constructive.

“Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands.” Prov. 14:1

A prideful person.

“In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride: but the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” Prov. 14:3

A child that hates his mother.

“A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother.” Prov. 15:20

A child that is a burden, rather than a blessing, to his parents.

“A foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare him.” Prov. 17:25 Also: Prov. 19:13

A child that hates his parent’s advice.

“A fool despiseth his father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” Prov. 15:5

A leader that thinks he is above his peers, and does not take advice and criticism.

“Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished.“ Eccl. 4:13

A person that ignores all other advice or correction and insists on doing something his own way.

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Prov. 12:15 Also: Prov. 14:16, Prov.17:10, Prov. 18:2.

A person that will not work for himself, nor take care of himself. This verse does not mean a lazy person is a cannibal; it means that one’s laziness will hurt him.

“The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth his own flesh.” Eccl. 4:5

A person that cannot do simple things that most people know. I knew of a super-intelligent man once, who could do unbelievable mathematics, but got so involved in his thinking he had difficulty in taking care of himself. Once I saw him standing barefoot in the snow, engrossed in his book, while waiting for the bus.

“The labour of the foolish wearieth every one of them, because he knoweth not how to go to the city.” Eccl. 10:15

A person that does not obey godly advice. Often they believe and do only what they think is right, and ignore wisdom.

“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:” Mat. 7:26
“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Prov. 28:26 Also: Prov. 17:16, Prov. 23:9.

A person that is not prepared for his eternal future. The Matthew 25 parable about the unprepared virgins, is about people that did not get prepared for their eternity by being saved. They foolishly did not trust Christ as Saviour, while they had the opportunity in this life.

“They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:” Mat. 25:3

A person that knows about God, but is not grateful and does not give Him the credit He deserves.

“Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Rom. 1:21

A person that asks questions that show his ignorance and often are designed to start arguments and disagreements.

“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.” II Tim. 2:23 Also: Tit. 3:9.

An aethist, a person that denies the existence of God.

“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.” Ps. 14:1 Also: Ps. 53:1

A person that is not even ashamed of doing absurd, unreasonable acts, even if they are sinful.

“Every prudent man dealeth with knowledge: but a fool layeth open his folly.” Prov. 13:16

A person that does not learn from his mistakes and does the same thing again; sometimes again and again.

“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.” Prov. 26:11

A person that talks too much about trifling (vain, and unimportant) subjects.

“The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall.” Prov. 10:8 Also: Prov. 10:10, Eccl. 10:12, 14

A person that intentionally causes harm.

“It is as sport to a fool to do mischief: but a man of understanding hath wisdom.” Prov. 10:23

A person that does not mind their own business.

“It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.” Prov. 20:3

A person that is not careful what he says. He utters what is on his mind, and gives little thought to the value of what he is saying.

“A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.” Prov. 29:11 Also: Prov. 17:7.

A person that lives by doing what he feels is right, and ignoring good or godly counsel.

“He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered.” Prov. 28:26

After seeing what God defines as foolishness, we may have to re-evaluate what we are doing and thinking, and be careful of others actions and decisions. Unwise, foolish actions and behaviors always hurt people.

Be wise, read the Word of God, believe it, and live as it commands. God’s wisdom often is far different than what is believed and practiced by the world; but if followed, it will always be the right advice to lead you through life.