I love this post (so much fun to write)! Let’s talk about what the Bible says about fools and how not to be one yourself! Let me tell ya, I can always tell when I’m catching a cold. I’ve been known to catch my fair share of them, and the same symptoms seem to manifest – the itchy throat, lethargy, and runny nose. The good thing about symptoms is that once you notice them, you may be able to ward off the full-blown condition with a little rest, zinc, vitamin C, or EmergenC. Fortunately for you, this post isn’t about my health; it’s about what the Bible says about fools and the “symptoms” of being one.
The Bible gives very clear symptoms of foolishness to look out for in our own lives and to avoid in others.
What the Bible says about fools?
Let’s see what the Bible says about fools, and don’t be all sensitive about it. 🙂 The book of Proverbs contains several verses that provide insights into the characteristics and consequences of foolishness. Here are a few more verses:
- Proverbs 1:7 (NIV): “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
- Proverbs 10:14 (NIV): “The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.”
- Proverbs 12:15 (NIV): “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
- Proverbs 13:16 (NIV): “All who are prudent act with knowledge, but fools expose their folly.”
- Proverbs 14:9 (NIV): “Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright.”
- Proverbs 15:5 (NIV): “A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.”
- Proverbs 17:10 (NIV): “A rebuke impresses a discerning person more than a hundred lashes a fool.”
- Proverbs 18:2 (NIV): “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.”
- Proverbs 20:3 (NIV): “It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.”
- Proverbs 26:11 (NIV): “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.”
- Proverbs 29:11 (NIV): “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
- Proverbs 14:3 (NIV): “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.”
- Proverbs 17:28 (NIV): “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”
- Proverbs 26:1 (NIV): “Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a fool.”
- Proverbs 29:9 (NIV): “If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.”
- Proverbs 10:8 (NIV): “The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.”
- Proverbs 19:3 (NIV): “A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord.”
- Proverbs 15:20 (NIV): “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
- Proverbs 26:12 (NIV): “Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them.”
- Proverbs 14:16 (NIV): “The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels s
What else does the Bible say about fools?
Symptom 1: “There’s no God!”
Sorry, but Scripture explicitly says in Psalm 14:1 “The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
This is a true indication of a nutmo wrapped in a nutcase (i.e., FOOL!)
Creation [itself] cries out God exists!
Man has all the proof he needs and is foolish to deny the Creator in the complexity of the universe. Check out this site for more info: http://www.everystudent.com/features/isthere.html
Symptom 2: “No one can tell me what to do – not God or anyone else!”
The second sign of catching a case of foolishness is found in Proverbs 1:7. Here, is what the bible says about fools is: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Being above discipline, advice, or wisdom is one of the most dangerous indications of foolishness.
When someone gives you advice, be smart and do three things:
1. Consider the source
2. determine whether their advice is in perfect alignment with God’s principles and
3. Pray before you act.
Applying these three “tests” may help you decide what is wise or just some advice from a well-meaning “fool.”
I have also learned to compare any advice I get with a few other sources. Depending on the topic, I may ask my husband, my brother, my mom, or my best friend for feedback about the advice I received.
It really depends on how serious the consequences of the advice given. In the end, though, I always like to get “second opinions.” Pick someone who has your best interest at heart. Not a jealous person or a “hater.”
14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall;
But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.
Proverbs 11:14
Also, the fear of the Lord scripture I referenced earlier is not about tormenting fear but more about reverential or respectful fear. A fool has neither and doesn’t understand God’s significance at all.
When you repeatedly ignore God’s laws, precepts, and teachings you are on a fool’s path. You’re also in “fool” territory when you don’t listen to wise counselors. Be careful, Christian woman.
Symptom 3: “Talking Crazy – Like a fool!”
Read Ecclesiastes 10: 12-14 below to see what the Bible says about fools:
12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious,
But the lips of a fool shall swallow him up;
13 The words of his mouth begin with foolishness,
And the end of his talk is raving madness.
14 A fool also multiplies words.
No man knows what is to be;
Who can tell him what will be after him?
Ecclesiastes 10:12-14
Verse fourteen speaks of a fool multiplying his words. Be careful how much you say, how you say it, and to whom.
During tense times, fewer words are always a sign of wisdom, Amen?
BTW… keep your pie hole shut!
Just because you know something about someone (whether good or bad) doesn’t mean you have to share it with others. Fools gossip. What the Bible says about fools?
It says – if we are not to be a fool- we have to control our tongue.
James 3:3-6 (NIV):
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.”
This passage from the Book of James vividly illustrates our words’ significant impact and emphasizes the need for careful and thoughtful communication.
What pleasure is it to speak of someone’s personal business anyway? None! So keep your words few and stay in your own lane.
I could have gossiped…if I were a fool.
Let me make one thing clear first. Just because I passed this test doesn’t mean I haven’t failed many others. Anyway, back to my story.
Yesterday, I had lunch with my wonderful cousin Eileen.
Our conversation sauntered toward the multitude of challenges pastors face.
We began to speak of a specific pastor overtaken by a fault. I love the way that conversation went.
We spoke of praying for all our leaders and specifically that pastor.
The entire conversation was about seven seconds long, and we never discussed the specifics [i.e., what, when, and where] about the brother’s shortcomings.
We didn’t even go there, and I love the integrity of that conversation. We all must learn how to season our words as we do our food – sparingly!
“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” Colossians 4:6
Sometimes, we ALL get a case of foolishness, but prayer, pause, apologies, and solid counsel are all great remedies!
Matthew Henry’s Commentary says:
“Fools are persons who have no true wisdom, who follow their own devices, without regard to reason, or reverence for God.”
What does the Bible say about fools? It says we should keep our mouths shut.
My Christian woman’s
Lifestyle Blog Moment
Everyone says gray hair is a sign of wisdom.
Well, if so, I’m getting wiser and wiser these days. LOL
The problem is my “wisdom” was taking way too long. I love my gray (today), but I want more of it to look like my childhood friend, Ramonda. Her gray is beautiful!
Anyway, I purchased this “stuff” to make my gray more pronounced and I think I really like it!
This stuff, WAX-Mofajang silver gray is almost like a gel. I love how it laid my edges! Seriously!
You can get it here: https://amzn.to/2VGjgqr
Listen to a teaching I found on wisdom.
Don’t forget: I am both an Amazon affiliate and an Amazon addict!!!!
You know, the difficulty with foolishness is that a fool would not receive these verses! Foolishness just blinds us, doesn’t it? I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit convicts the hearts of the saved, purging us from our foolishness.
Great post! Keep it up!