Day 149, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Proverbs 14, 15
Don’t Be a Fool
It has been said that “a fool and his money are soon parted” (a proverb originating with Dr. John Bridges in 1587). While a fool and his money are soon parted, a fool and his folly are not easily separated.
Characteristics of a Fool
A fool is someone who is thick-headed and arrogant—he will not listen to instructions. His motto is: “Don’t confuse me with the facts; I have my own opinions.” The fool delights in airing his opinions, and if challenged, he is often quick to lose his temper. He is hard-headed, and his foolish ways shame his parents. In Proverbs 14-15 and other chapters, King Solomon warns his audience about such people.
To be honest, most of us have acted foolishly at one time or another. Where does foolishness start?
Foolishness Starts in Childhood.
“Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15, NIV). If we fail to discipline our children, they will grow to be proud and foolish teens and adults.
Discipline should be fair and not too harsh, so we do not make our children angry with us (Ephesians 6:4). We should discipline them for their benefit (Hebrews 12:10-11) so they might learn to be obedient and respect authority, even God’s authority. Whether we use corporal punishment or let children experience unhappy consequences for their actions (or a combination of the two), we must discipline them to prevent them from becoming fools and harming themselves and others.
When a child becomes an adult and behaves foolishly, it is a shame, a disgrace, and an embarrassment to his parents (Proverbs 10:1; 17:25). We soon realize it does little good to talk to people who will not listen (Proverbs 23:9).
How to Deal With Foolish People
If we confront foolish people, then we must be careful about how we do it. Proverbs 26:4-5 gives us advice that sounds like a contradiction, but understood correctly, it helps us deal with foolish individuals. The advice is, “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him [in other words, do not bring yourself down to the fool’s level. You cannot reach a fool by becoming one]. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes” [i.e., use his own words to refute him] (Proverbs 26:4-5, NIV).
Because many fools will still not listen, however, we have to let life experiences be the “rods of discipline” for them. They must learn the hard way. We should not seek to deliver them from unhappy consequences, or their unreasonable behavior will not change.
How can a Fool Change his Ways?
If we have acted like fools and now wish to change our ways, what do we do?
First, we must fear the LORD and walk in his ways (Proverbs 1:7). “The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27, NIV). “He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe” (Proverbs 28:26, NIV). We need the LORD’s help to walk in wisdom—we cannot do it ourselves. Only the LORD can save us from the snares of death, give us spiritual life, and deliver us from our foolishness (more...).
Second, we must listen and learn from God’s Word and those who are wise. “You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding” (Proverbs 8:5 says, NIV).
Third, we must avoid making snap judgments— everything is not as it appears. “He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame” (Proverbs 18:13, NIV). Most of us have said wrong things that we regret later and perhaps were embarrassed or ashamed. Let us listen and seek to understand a person or issue before giving our opinions.
In America, it is part of our culture to make quick value judgments on everything, even about things of which we know little to nothing. We must resist this practice or look foolish. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue” (Proverbs 17:28, NIV). We should keep our tongue and not slander another person.
Fourth, we must exercise self-control over our anger and actions. “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control” (Proverbs 29:11, NIV). We must not plan evil or revenge. “If you have played the fool and exalted yourself, or if you have planned evil, clap your hand over your mouth!” (Proverbs 30:32, NIV)
We all have to be careful not to play the part of the fool. It is in our old human nature to be foolish, to be obstinate at times, to act with anger and irrationality, to speak ugly words to hurt others, and to do evil. But believers have a new nature that they are to put on like a new set of clothing. The Apostle Paul writes,
Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature (Romans 13:13-14 says, NIV).
Discussion
What are the characteristics of a fool?
Where does foolishness start, and how can we prevent it?
How do we deal with foolish people?
How can a fool change his ways?
Focus Verses
Romans 13:13-14 (NIV) “Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”
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Looking Ahead: If we are Christians, is it okay to make or accept bribes? What is the harm in it? Our Next Lesson is Bribery versus Honesty. Please join us.
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