Who Is A Fool According to Proverbs

It is traditionally believed that Solomon authored three books: Proverbs – the book of wisdom, Song of Songs – the book on love, and Ecclesiastes – the book debating the meaning and purpose of life. All these books are very interesting books. The book of Proverbs has much to say about wisdom and folly. The wise are contrasted with the foolish. This blog is an attempt to look at the FOOLS in the book of Proverbs. If one can keep the Bible open and read the verses in its entirety it would be very helpful.

Identification Marks of a Fool

What are some of the characteristics of a foolish person according to the book of Proverbs? First of all, a fool “despises wisdom and discipline” (1:7). In fact, “fools hate knowledge” (1:22). Even the personification of folly in chapter 9 (vv. 13-17) is characterized as “loud, undisciplined and without knowledge” (9:13). Also, not only does a fool hate wisdom, knowledge and discipline, he “finds pleasure in evil conduct” (10:23). Hmmm… look at the next characteristic… “every fool is quick to quarrel” (20:3). Also, a fool lacks self-control. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (29:11).

The Mouth of a Fool

The folly of a fool gushes out through his mouth, often resulting in his own destruction. Proverbs 10:14b “…the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” Twice in the space of three verses the book of Proverbs calls the fool “a chattering fool” (10:10, 13). Proverbs 18:2 “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” Again, no control over the tongue. Proverbs 18:6 “A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.” A fool’s greatest enemy is his own mouth… he invites quarrels and beatings with his mouth. “A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul” (18:7). A fool lays a trap for himself with his mouth. A foolish person also engages in character-assassination or slander (10:18).

A Fool and his Parents

A foolish son brings grief to his mother (10:1). In fact, a fool “despises his mother” (15:20). Again, “A foolish son brings grief to his father and bitterness to the one who bore him” (17:25). A foolish son brings ruin to his father (19:13).

The End of a Fool

Proverbs 3:35 says that God will bring a fool to shame. The book of Proverbs also says that a fool invites ruin for himself, as has been noted above. So also, we have already noted that he invites punishment for himself (18:6; 26:3). A foolish woman will end up destroying her house (14:1). So what exactly awaits a fool? Shame, ruin, punishment and destruction…

On Dealing with a Fool

Proverbs 14:7-9 “Stay away from a foolish man…” A foolish person is often self-deceived and such a person can lead others also into similar deception. Further, one must deal wisely with a foolish person… “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” (26:4-5). One must be wise enough to decide when to speak and when not to while dealing with a fool. If one employs a foolish person, the employer may have to pay a price (26:10).

Conclusion

In the book of Proverbs, a fool refers to a rebellious person, who does not submit to authority or listen to instructions. A fool is someone without proper moral direction… one who is inclined to evil. Such a person hates wisdom and discipline, and delights in evil. In the book of Proverbs, a fool is described often in contradistinction to the wise man or woman. Who is the wise man? That is the subject matter for a later blog. We need to examine ourselves… are there any hints of folly within us?