Sermon Tone Analysis

The Fool: One who acts as if there is no God

Note: This outline is based off of Orthner, Donald, Wellsprings of Life: Understanding Proverbs.

A. The Fool’s Basic Condition

The fool is self-reliant and proud (Prov.

28:26, Prov.

12:15, 14:3).

The fool is void of wisdom (Prov.

24:7, 17:16, 18:2); he doesn’t fear the Lord (Proverbs 1:9).

The fool rejects godly instruction (Prov.

1:7, 1:22).

The fool is deceived by his/her own folly (Prov.

14:8, 14:24, 15:21).

B. The Fool’s Progression as a Fool

Nature: Everyone tends toward foolishness from birth (Prov.

22:15).

Apathy: The fool’s former fence-sitting on God’s truth leads to him/her being confirmed in [or “inheriting”] foolishness (Prov.

14:18).

A simple person was one who never fully received a covenant relationship with God through the stipulations of the Mosaic Law; he or she was “open” in a negative sense, waffling back and forth between external religion and an internal reception of truth.

Today, a simple person could be compared to a teen guy who has grown up in a Christian home, but he has never received the truth personally.

Or a teen gal that has never submitted to Jesus Christ, but outwardly does everything expected of a believer.

She hasn’t “bought into” Christ yet, entrusting herself fully to the salvation he provides.

Such a position, unless abandoned, leads to an inheritance that is undesirable: Foolishness.

Confirmed: Now the fool is hopeless (from a human perspective, outside of God’s divine activity) (Prov.

27:22, 26:11, 17:10).

C. By a fool’s conduct, you’ll know him/her.

The fool practices and enjoys sin (Prov.

13:19, 10:23, 14:9).

The fool lacks self-control (Prov.

12:16, 13:16, 14:16, 27:3).

The fool disdains and grieves his/her parents (Prov.

15:20, 15:5, 17:21).

The fool deserves severe punishment (Prov.

19:29, 26:3).

D. By a fool’s speech, you’ll know him/her.

The fool’s words reveal his/her foolish nature (Prov.

15:2, 12:23, 15:14, 29:11).

The fool’s words are often is illogical (Prov.

26:7, 9).

The fool’s words contributes to his/her eventual downfall (Prov.

18:6-7, 10:14).

The fool treats words very dangerously (Proverbs 18:1-9):

The fool is proudly and loudly opinionated (Prov.

18:2).

The fool is clueless to the power of his words (Prov.

18:4).

The fool uses his words to cozy up to those who can further his/her agenda, even at the expense of justice (Prov.

18:5).

The fool is quick to speak, especially when he knows it will create division (Prov.

18:6).

The fool doesn’t realize he carries his own destruction in his mouth (Prov.

18:7).

The fool gossips about anyone and anything, for the joy of a juicy story (Prov.

18:8).

“Let’s all admit it.

We love gossip.

We love negative information about other people.

We love controversy.

We find it delicious.

It is a delicacy—to our corrupt hearts.

We gulp these words down with relish.

But the contagion goes down into us and makes a deep impression and leaves us even sicker than we were before.

Truly, God is not mocked.”

Do you speak up when others are put down?

Or do you just stand there and listen in sinful silence as the blast of gossip and slander hits you in the face.

God says, “open your mouth.”

with every unkind word that goes unconfronted, a reputation dies.

So much is at stake in our words.

They matter not just to us but even more, far more, to God.

We are always speaking before the face of God.” (Ortlund, Proverbs, 134)

E. The Fool’s Tragic End

His life will end in failure and shame (Prov.

10:8,10; 11:29, 3:35).

He will die in his self-determined condition (Prov.

10:21, 1:32).

F. The Believer’s Response to the Fool

Avoid him/her (Prov.

14:7, 17:12).

Don’t rely on him/her (Prov.

26:6).

Don’t give him/her recognition (Prov.

26:1, 8).

Don’t debate with him (Prov.

29:9, 23:9, 26:4).

Rebuke him only if it will do him good (Prov.

26:5); this is often a very challenging wisdom issue.

Questions for reflection:

* Questions taken from Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary: Exalting Jesus in Proverbs, copyright 2017 by Jonathan Akin and Daniel L. Akin.

Do you often make decisions that focus on yourself and disregard the interests of others?

Are you open to, and even desirous of, the counsel of others?

Are you a loner?

Can you identify a circle of good and faithful friends?

Are you more of a listener or a talker?

Do you feel like you always have to win an argument?

Do you see destructive results from such conversations?

Would you characterize your speech as a flowing river of wisdom?

If yes, why?

If no, why?

Do you cozy up to those who can further your agenda whether or not they walk with Christ?

If yes, is this really wise?

Can you think of times when your mouth has gotten you into trouble?

What are your attitude and actions concerning gossip?

Try to answer honestly.

Are there individuals you need to apologize to for your part in gossiping with them, or for failing to speak up on behalf of others?

Read 1 Cor.

1:28-31 and James 1:5-6.

From these verses, what is the first step in addressing any elements of foolishness visible in your life?

Who alone is capable o removing the folly from your life?

Spend some time in prayer to God, confessing how you have played the part of a fool, thanking him for making Jesus to be your wisdom, and asking for continued wisdom from God. Ask for grace from the Holy Spirit to address these areas biblically.