What is a Fool?

[Dennis1209]

Yes, I stand guilty of being a fool at times. Below are some notes I directed to myself to bear in mind before my fingertips talk for my pie hole:

The following is a best practice that includes biblical hermeneutic views, least I develop an eisegesis. In other words, study the other major viewpoints and become familiar with alternate understandings and consider them. Let the Bible explain itself in other related passages. Before one comes to a concrete conclusion in their understandings and beliefs. This is especially important before one opens up their mouth and speaks their thoughts to influence or teach another on a matter. ¹

¹ Dennis thoughts

In Proverbs 18:17 we read the savvy observation, “The first one to plead his cause seems right until his neighbor examines him.” This speaks volumes when it comes to choosing sides in doctrinal controversy. We do ourselves and the truth a disservice if we don’t give both sides a fair hearing on whatever doctrinal issue lies before us. Not allowing one side to present their whole slate of evidence or not listening to their presentation of evidence manipulates the trial.

Brainard, Lee. The New Heavens and Earth: Recreation or Renovation? . Kindle Edition. 

The fool does not want to listen but to speak, to spout his opinion (v. 2) or give an answer (lit. “return a word”). Such an action epitomizes his foolishness (iwelet, from ewiyl) and brings disgrace on him (a loss of honor or position due to sin or defeat).¹

¹ David K. Stabnow, “Proverbs,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary, ed. E. Ray Clendenen and Jeremy Royal Howard (Broadman & Holman, 2015), 665.

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,” commands James 1:19. Too often we are slow to hear—we never really listen to the whole matter patiently—and swift to speak; and this gets us into trouble. It is wise to “restrain the lips” until you really have something to say (10:19). A godly person will study to answer, but a fool will open his mouth and pour out foolishness (15:28). Potiphar did not listen to Joseph’s side of the story and committed a great crime because of it. Jesus and the Apostles were not permitted to tell their whole story; the verdicts were passed by their enemies before the cases were honestly tried. God wants us to search out each matter carefully (25:2) and then give fair judgment. Proverbs 18:17 warns us not to agree with the “first cause” that we hear but to seek to understand both sides of a matter. Even where dedicated Christians are involved, there are two sides to a story. This is not because people necessarily lie, but simply because no two people see and hear the same matter in the same way. David jumped to conclusions about innocent Mephibosheth because he failed to get the other side of the matter (2 Sam. 16:1–4; 19:24–30). All of us need to pray, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3). See Ps. 39:1.¹

¹ Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993), Pr 18:13.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

[Sower]

1 hour ago, Dennis1209 said:

In Proverbs 18:17 we read the savvy observation, “The first one to plead his cause seems right until his neighbor examines him.” This speaks volumes when it comes to choosing sides in doctrinal controversy. We do ourselves and the truth a disservice if we don’t give both sides a fair hearing on whatever doctrinal issue lies before us. Not allowing one side to present their whole slate of evidence or not listening to their presentation of evidence manipulates the trial.

 

"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps"    Proverbs 14:15

"The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning"   Proverbs 14:6

The Thief...

"There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”    
Luke 23:38-43

I would think the thief's discerning (re-thinking) which 'side' to believe changed his eternity somewhat.....

[missmuffet]

How does the Bible describe a fool?

https://www.gotquestions.org

ANSWER

The Bible has much to say about fools. The word fool today usually means “a senseless fellow, a dullard.” The biblical definition has the added dimension of “someone who disregards God’s Word.” The Bible lists many characteristics of such a person, often contrasting him with one who is wise. Ecclesiastes 10:2 says, “The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.” A fool is one whose wayward heart turns continually toward foolishness. “Fools speak foolishness and make evil plans” (Isaiah 32:6). Proverbs 26:11 says, “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Fools do not learn their lessons from the mistakes they make. They continue doing the same foolish things over and over again, to their own destruction (Proverbs 18:7).

The following is a partial list of some characteristics of a fool from the book of Proverbs: a fool hates knowledge (Proverbs 1:22), takes no pleasure in understanding (Proverbs 18:2), enjoys wicked schemes (Proverbs 10:23), proclaims folly (Proverbs 12:23), spurns a parent’s discipline (Proverbs 15:5), speaks perversity (Proverbs 19:1), is quick-tempered (Proverbs 12:16), gets himself in trouble with his proud speech (Proverbs 14:3), mocks at sin (Proverbs 14:9), is deceitful (Proverbs 14:8), and despises his mother (Proverbs 15:20). A foolish child brings grief to his or her parents (Proverbs 17:25; 19:13). A foolish man commits sexual immorality (Proverbs 6:32; 7:7–12). A foolish woman tears down her own house (Proverbs 14:1).

The ultimate description of a fool is one who “says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). Although fools can choose to become wise by heeding wise counsel and applying it (Proverbs 8:5; 21:11), the Bible warns against associating with fools (Proverbs 14:7). Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

There is an important distinction between the biblical definition of a fool and the word Jesus used (raca) in Matthew 5:22 when He forbade calling a Christian brother a “fool.” The term raca, spoken from a heart of contempt, implied utter worthlessness. Jesus was not saying that we cannot call the choices of another foolish. But to call someone “raca” was saying that this person was beyond the reach of God and therefore condemned forever. To say, “You fool!” to a brother or sister in that day was the equivalent of saying, “Damn you!” to someone today. We do not have the power or the right to condemn anyone to hell. That position of judgment belongs only to God. A born-again Christian cannot be “damned” because he or she has been purchased by the blood of Christ (Colossians 1:14). We can and should, however, do all we can to turn the hearts of those exhibiting foolishness toward wisdom and possibly save their lives and their eternal souls (James 5:20).

Edited September 16, 2022 by missmuffet

[Selah7]

Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not; neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her, and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.

- Proverbs 4:5-9 (KJV)

Without wisdom there can be no discernment or understanding.  There can be no direction in life.  So what is Wisdom?

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

- Proverbs 1:7 (KJV)

Reverence of the LORD is truly the first principle of Wisdom, and a person who has Wisdom can never be a fool. 

Selah

[DPMartin]

9 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Yes, I stand guilty of being a fool at times. Below are some notes I directed to myself to bear in mind before my fingertips talk for my pie hole:

The following is a best practice that includes biblical hermeneutic views, least I develop an eisegesis. In other words, study the other major viewpoints and become familiar with alternate understandings and consider them. Let the Bible explain itself in other related passages. Before one comes to a concrete conclusion in their understandings and beliefs. This is especially important before one opens up their mouth and speaks their thoughts to influence or teach another on a matter. ¹

¹ Dennis thoughts

In Proverbs 18:17 we read the savvy observation, “The first one to plead his cause seems right until his neighbor examines him.” This speaks volumes when it comes to choosing sides in doctrinal controversy. We do ourselves and the truth a disservice if we don’t give both sides a fair hearing on whatever doctrinal issue lies before us. Not allowing one side to present their whole slate of evidence or not listening to their presentation of evidence manipulates the trial.

Brainard, Lee. The New Heavens and Earth: Recreation or Renovation? . Kindle Edition. 

The fool does not want to listen but to speak, to spout his opinion (v. 2) or give an answer (lit. “return a word”). Such an action epitomizes his foolishness (iwelet, from ewiyl) and brings disgrace on him (a loss of honor or position due to sin or defeat).¹

¹ David K. Stabnow, “Proverbs,” in Holman Illustrated Bible Commentary, ed. E. Ray Clendenen and Jeremy Royal Howard (Broadman & Holman, 2015), 665.

“Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak,” commands James 1:19. Too often we are slow to hear—we never really listen to the whole matter patiently—and swift to speak; and this gets us into trouble. It is wise to “restrain the lips” until you really have something to say (10:19). A godly person will study to answer, but a fool will open his mouth and pour out foolishness (15:28). Potiphar did not listen to Joseph’s side of the story and committed a great crime because of it. Jesus and the Apostles were not permitted to tell their whole story; the verdicts were passed by their enemies before the cases were honestly tried. God wants us to search out each matter carefully (25:2) and then give fair judgment. Proverbs 18:17 warns us not to agree with the “first cause” that we hear but to seek to understand both sides of a matter. Even where dedicated Christians are involved, there are two sides to a story. This is not because people necessarily lie, but simply because no two people see and hear the same matter in the same way. David jumped to conclusions about innocent Mephibosheth because he failed to get the other side of the matter (2 Sam. 16:1–4; 19:24–30). All of us need to pray, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3). See Ps. 39:1.¹

¹ Warren W. Wiersbe, Wiersbe’s Expository Outlines on the Old Testament (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1993), Pr 18:13.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 

Pro_12:15  The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

 

 

basically one who does not fear the Lord God.

[Starise]

I find it interesting that many of the quotes on both wisdom and foolishness come from the book of Proverbs written by Solomon. 

Solomon got himself caught up in allowing the worship of other gods in Israel and had many wives, some were persuasive in causing him to fall away from the one true God.

What are we to make of this? My take away is God gave Solomon wisdom, but he chose folly, even though he is responsible for one of the most famous book that describe folly.

[Your closest friendnt]

15 hours ago, Sower said:

 

"The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps"    Proverbs 14:15

"The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning"   Proverbs 14:6

The Thief...

"There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews.

One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation?

We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”    
Luke 23:38-43

I would think the thief's discerning (re-thinking) which 'side' to believe changed his eternity somewhat.....

Luke 23-28-43 

One of the two other people hung with Jesus on their own Cross, one to the left and the other to the right it seems from what he said that he had some religious education...he must have known the history of the Nation, all the people knew the history which they learn from the time they learn how to talk...to the present facts he knew about the promises of the coming Messiah, he also knew a lot about Jesus and the miracles he did and what the people were saying about him. He also knew what the prophetic was that the Messiah won't die and that he will restore the Kingdom and free the Nation from the Romans.

He said: Aren't you the Messiah? 

What he said, and the way he said it shows belief, that he did believed and hoped that Jesus was the Messiah, and he was expecting Jesus to come down from the Cross,  and that he will also saved them. How strange that may sound this man believed and hoped to happened what Mary his mother believed and the other disciples exactly the same thing that it was all in the plan and that Jesus won't die and even in the last moment God will intervene to Saved him, or as he put it Jesus had the miraculous power to Saved himself and he also believed that the Messiah will not hold their sins against them because they were the blessed seed of Abraham,  on account of Abraham...

Edited September 17, 2022 by Your closest friendnt

[Dennis1209]

15 hours ago, Starise said:

I find it interesting that many of the quotes on both wisdom and foolishness come from the book of Proverbs written by Solomon. 

Solomon got himself caught up in allowing the worship of other gods in Israel and had many wives, some were persuasive in causing him to fall away from the one true God.

What are we to make of this? My take away is God gave Solomon wisdom, but he chose folly, even though he is responsible for one of the most famous book that describe folly.

I have pondered that thought myself. No doubt the Lord granted Solomon's request, and he was the wisest man apart from Jesus, to ever live. As we all know, some of the things he did were far from wise, foolish. From Solomon's Proverbs and sayings, we can understand just how wise he was. Imagine a child custody battle today in court, and the judge suggests cutting the child in half. I had better leave it at that with the cancel culture of today.

If my memory is correct, much of what he recorded was to teach and remind his heir to the throne, Rehoboam, instruction. Rehoboam was a hard case and didn't heed his father's advice, but his buddies that were his age he listened to. That portion reminds me of myself.

[Starise]

7 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

I have pondered that thought myself. No doubt the Lord granted Solomon's request, and he was the wisest man apart from Jesus, to ever live. As we all know, some of the things he did were far from wise, foolish. From Solomon's Proverbs and sayings, we can understand just how wise he was. Imagine a child custody battle today in court, and the judge suggests cutting the child in half. I had better leave it at that with the cancel culture of today.

If my memory is correct, much of what he recorded was to teach and remind his heir to the throne, Rehoboam, instruction. Rehoboam was a hard case and didn't heed his father's advice, but his buddies that were his age he listened to. That portion reminds me of myself.

Much of Proverbs is the wise and foolish contrasted.

Good point on Rehoboam and something for me to further study.

Solomon seems like such a contradiction of a man. Much like Lot I believe he allowed himself to stay in the devil's kitchen. He was truly one of the wisest men to ever live. He asked God for wisdom. His father king David had lots of advice for him. He would have seen firsthand the results of his father's sins. Still he fell away. What an unhappy legacy at the end of his life. Probably even more damaging was his example to Israel.

[David1701]

On 9/17/2022 at 12:56 AM, Starise said:

I find it interesting that many of the quotes on both wisdom and foolishness come from the book of Proverbs written by Solomon. 

Solomon got himself caught up in allowing the worship of other gods in Israel and had many wives, some were persuasive in causing him to fall away from the one true God.

What are we to make of this? My take away is God gave Solomon wisdom, but he chose folly, even though he is responsible for one of the most famous book that describe folly.

Knowledge is good; knowledge, plus understanding is better; knowledge, plus understanding, plus wisdom is better still; but, even with all these (which Solomon had), if your heart is not right with God, they won't stop you from sinning.  In other words, the heart's desire is stronger than knowledge, understanding and wisdom combined.