RESOURCES — SHORT ARTICLES

 

SHORT ARTICLES BY TOM ELSEROAD
	2021-01-27	What Is A “Fool” In The Book of Proverbs?
		The word “fool” occurs over 40 times in the book of Proverbs. The ways of the fool are often contrasted with the ways of the wise. Let's look at some of the occurrences to see how Proverbs describes the “fool”. • “The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall” (Pr.10:8). The fool is a constant talker who is not known for listening to wisdom. In contrast, the wise listens. A fool does not care about learning. He’s too busy talking. • “Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor” (Pr.14:9). The fool ridicules their impending judgment. The wise are promised favor with God. • “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pr.1:7) The fool is most annoying as he comes across as a know-it-all. He is dogmatic about everything. He refuses to learn. In fact he hates knowledge (Pr.1:22), and does not delight in understanding (Pr.18:2). • “To do evil is like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom” (Pr.10:23). The fool treats sin like a joke. He is never serious about it. He even hates departing from doing evil (Pr.13:19). • “As a dog returns to his own vomit, So a fool repeats his folly” (Pr.26:11) The fool clings to his folly. As a dog eats its own vomit, so a fool cannot learn from experience. He returns to his habits even though they are disgusting. Peter quotes this verse to describe people who knew the truth but turned away from it (1Pe.2:22). • “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel is wise” (Pr.12:15). The fool rejects the advice of others and instead listens only to himself. He trusts in his own heart (Pr.28:26). He is self-deceived (Pr.14:8). He lies to himself and others (Pr.10:18). Scripture often associates a fool with wickedness and a direct denial of God (Ps.53:1). God has infinite wisdom, so the person who neglects God will naturally miss out on wisdom. Thus, he is a fool. A fool is anyone who does not follow the warnings and commands of God. The fool lacks wisdom, has no concern for others, loves his sin, and even brags about his sinful actions. Scripture tells us to avoid fools (Pr.9:6; 14:7). Instead we are to walk in the fear and wisdom of the Lord. The wise are given this promise. “He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But whoever walks wisely will be delivered” (Pr.28:26). Pastor Tom Elseroad

 

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