Be wary of the Foolish

Defining terms: What does it mean to be foolish?

Explanation: The term fool or simple one is used extensively throughout the Wisdom literature, and provides one of the main contrasts in the Book of Proverbs, that between the foolish and the wise. In biblical terms a fool is one who operates outside of a theistic worldview: “The fool says in his heart there is no God.” (Ps 14:1)

Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary Fool, Foolishness, and Folly

FOOL, FOOLISHNESS, AND FOLLY Translations of several uncomplimentary words that appear approximately 360 times throughout the OT and NT to describe unwise and ungodly people. The words are especially predominant in the Wisdom Literature of the OT. Persons who do not possess wisdom are called “fools”; their behavior is described as “folly.” The picture, which emerges from the biblical material, is quite simple: folly is the opposite of wisdom, and a fool is the opposite of a wise person. Both wisdom and folly are depicted as philosophies or perspectives on life. The religious person chooses wisdom, whereas the nonreligious person opts for folly. Wisdom leads to victory; folly to defeat. Wisdom belongs to those who fear God, and the “fear” of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 1:7). Wisdom is the essence of life. The foolish person is the one who is thoughtless, self-centered, and obviously indifferent to God.

Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology The Old Testament

Fool, Foolishness, Folly. The Old Testament. Several Hebrew words are rendered “fool,” with nuances ranging all the way from the naive but teachable person (Prov. 14:15—pĕtɩ̂, derived from the Hebrew root meaning “open,” hence impressionable) to the hopelessly incorrigible person who deserves no corrective efforts since such will be in vain (Prov. 26:3—kĕsɩ̂l). In most cases the context will help the reader determine which of the many meanings is to be preferred.

The heaviest concentration of the Hebrew words referring to foolishness is in the Wisdom literature, where the fool is constantly contrasted with the wise. The fool is not so much stupid (except when the context demands such a meaning) as immoral and pernicious. The fool’s problem is not so much intellectual as practical and spiritual

There is hope for the Foolish ()

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Explanation: The Word of God exists to give us knowledge by the revelation of God. If that knowledge is received by a mind that is at least open to submitting to God, then wisdom is gained. Wisdom and Folly are personified in the Scriptures and both are calling out to those passing by. This implies that the hearers can choose a specific direction. It is possible for a foolish person to gain wisdom.

Illustrate: Ignorance can be fixed, stupidity is forever

Argument: there are different kinds of foolish people. The bull headed ones who are determined to go their own way are not really open to reason. This is why believers need wisdom when dealing with fools.

Proverbs 26:

is instructive in this situation. The text does not contradict itself in verses 4 & 5. The understanding is based on the specific context of the discussion with the foolish person.

Proverbs 26:3–5 ESV

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools. Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself. Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes.

The futility of trying to impart wisdom to a fool is the basis of , which tell us how to answer a fool. These seemingly contradictory verses are actually a common form of parallelism found in the Old Testament, where one idea builds upon another. Verse 4 warns against arguing with a fool on his own terms, lest we stoop to his level and become as foolish as he is. Because he despises wisdom and correction, the fool will not listen to wise reason and will try to draw us into his type of argument, whether it is by using deceit, scoffing at our wisdom, or becoming angry and abusive. If we allow him to draw us into this type of discourse, we are answering him “according to his folly” in the sense of becoming like him.

The phrase “according to his folly” in verse 5, on the other hand, tells us that there are times when a fool has to be addressed so that his foolishness will not go unchallenged. In this sense answering him according to his folly means to expose the foolishness of his words, rebuking him on the basis of his folly so he will see the idiocy of his words and reasoning. Our “answer” in this case is to be one of reproof, showing him the truth so he might see the foolishness of his words in the light of reason. Even though he will most likely despise and reject the wisdom offered to him, we are to make the attempt, both for the sake of the truth which is always to be declared, and for the sake of those listening, that they may see the difference between wisdom and folly and be instructed.

Application: We have all been foolish at one time or another, so we shouldn’t judge others too harshly when they don’t have the same developed biblical worldview that we have. We are all in different stages of the journey, and those without Christ haven’t even started yet!

One thing to remember from a previous Proverbs study: “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking and he who restrains his lips is wise” ()

In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking and he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 18:13)

It is stated even more clearly in : “Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent.”