I love this post (so much fun to write)! Let’s talk about what the Bible says about fools and how to not 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 the running 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.
Let’s see what the Bible says about fools and don’t be all sensitive about it. 🙂
What the Bible says 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.
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 Donnie, my mom, or my best friend for feedback about the advice I received.
OMG! My fav classic sitcom! FAVORITE! 🙂
It really depends on how serious the consequences of the advice given. In the end, though, I always like to get “second opinions”.
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:
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 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.
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 shortcoming.
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.”
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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!