Sunday: The Assurance of the Fool
Read Proverbs 14:1-35. What does it say about the fool?
Image © Lars Justinen from GoodSalt.com
The fool speaks proudly (Prov. 14:3). The first depiction of the fool deals with his proud speech.
The image of the rod associated with the fool’s lips implies his eventual punishment. His proud words have resulted in a blow on his lips, an outcome that is seen in contrast with the lips of the wise, which are preserved (see also Dan. 7:8).
The fool mocks wisdom (Prov. 14:6–9). Although the fool seems to seek wisdom, in fact he does not believe in it and is skeptical of it. He will not find it because, in his own mind, there is no wisdom apart from himself. Most frightful is his attitude toward violation of the law. What could be more deadly than mocking the idea of sin?
The fool is credulous (Prov. 14:15). Paradoxically, while the fool makes fun of those idealists who still believe in the values of wisdom, he has lost his ability to think critically about what he hears; he believes every word.
The irony of this situation strikes at the heart of secular society. Skeptical people mock God and make fun of religion, claiming that these beliefs are for children and old people, yet they themselves often believe in some of the most foolish things, such as the creation of life on earth by pure chance alone.
The fool is impulsive (Prov. 14:16, 29). Because the fool believes that he has the truth within himself, he does not take time to think. His reaction will be quick, dictated mostly by impulse.
The fool oppresses others (Prov. 14:21, 31). The mechanisms of oppression and intolerance are suggested in the psychology of the fool. He is intolerant of others and will treat them with contempt (see Dan. 7:25; Dan. 8:11-12).
It’s easy to see the traits of a fool in others, but what about in our own selves? Which, if any, of these character flaws might you need first to recognize, and then seek by God’s grace to overcome?
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I thank God for the word it is powerful i am thankful for wisdom basically we must think before speaking
One may wonder why many secular minded educated folk who think it foolish to place faith in the God of Creation proceed to engage in risky or destructive behavior. More than a few smart students at some of the world’s renowned colleges indulge in binge drinking, chain smoking and other harmful activities which are injurious to health and probably have lasting emotional effects. Business executives and politicians get trapped and some eventually exposed in illicit affairs which hurt their careers. Do they not see the folly of some things they do?
The ungodly may recognize or even admit some of their folly, but are generally powerless to do anything about it. While some may assure themselves that they exercise independent control of their lives, the reality is none of us do. We are either slaves to sin or righteousness (Romans 6:16-20).
When one chooses to make entertainment, amusement, fashion and/or common pleasure his/her purpose in life, as many do; the enemy of souls capitalizes on this to efface the image of God in mankind and eventually destroys the person.
Unless there is recognition of the higher purpose – glorifying the God of Heaven, there will only be a continual downward slide. Solomon had this experience, but thankfully came to acknowledge his helplessness and chose to return to his former Master, the God of his childhood (1 Kings 3:7; Ecclesiastes 12:8-13).
The wise serve their Maker. Others serve self. To the extent one serves self he/she may expect to manifest the traits of a fool in his/her life. As we turn toward the Creator in submission we take a journey on the upward road which leads to Heaven.
If any was wise, but played the fool, like with Solomon there is hope to be wise again.
It is not only smart students, business executives and politicians who get trapped into sinful behavior. I could publish a long list of conference executives, evangelists, school principals of church schools and head elders that I have known who have been trapped into serious misbehavior. Position, power and education are no guarantees of good behavior.
Some of them have made genuine mistakes and I would not pretend that if I was put in the same position I would not make the same mistakes.
I am always thankful for the story of King David who succumbed to some pretty horrific behavior not once, but many times, but in his struggle recognised that God did not give up on him. Some of us take a long time to find that God does not give up on us easily. I am truly thankful he is long suffering and persistent.
My dad use to take me and my cousin to church and sometimes we were the only one there because the pastor only came on the second and forth Sunday. So we would read from the bible and most times from proverbs . We weren't good readers but he made sure we understood why we were reading the proverbs . To know wisdom and instructions to perceive the words of understanding. Prover 1:7 tell us about the fool they reject wisdom which come from the Lord I can still hear the preacher say the day you hear his voice harden not your heart.
As the best tasting vegetables are those from your own garden, I'm glad for you that you had the experience of digging in God's Word as a child.
"the fool believes that he has the truth"
I must watch myself, although I continually search for the truth in the Word, I must recognize that my understanding of that truth is subject to further enlightenment.
it is good to be wise for you save yourself most trouble.Obeying God is the key of a good life.
Whilst we look up worldly behaviour as foolishness, let us not give the world the impression that we who claim to be christians are fools also. Let us demonstrate through the word and our lives why we believe in a powerful almighty and creative being, rather than simple carry the title of a christian but denying the power there of 2 Timothy 3:5.
While we must "walk the walk, and not just talk the talk", some in the world will think us more the fool for doing so. In the end, God will make all things clear to all.
When we reach the point where we can see and acknowledge the folly of our ways, I believe that is the first sign of wisdom. The truest evidence of wisdom is when we put away our foolishness and allude to the words of counsel that the Lord has set in His words to guide our lives. The greatest act of folly is turning away from the wisdom that is extended to us by Jesus.
A Fool:
1. Is proud Prov 14:3
2. Desires but lacks wisdom becos can't find it. His ways can't allow him to find it Prov 14:6
3. Is lawless - mocks sin and confidently sins, doesn't fear God Prov 14:2,16
4. Is impulsive Prov 14:29
5. Is intolerant or oppressive Prov 14:31
The fact that "we don't get wat we see" out of humans, means we can be fools and not know it, if we don't allow God to lead in everything.
We may be proud without knowing it. We may think we are all knowing wen we get many requests for advice or prayer that we get impulsive and risk giving destructive advice becos of not seeking God in everything
We may be intolerant (hence oppressive) by never seeking to hear others out or never being there to assist others but always expecting to command others and they must attend to us
The biggest problem of fools is that they dont know that they dont know, maybe some of us are becoming some or we are some fools lets pray for wisdom
My mother faithfully took her first three children, including myself, to Sabbath School every Saturday. Thank heavens I was exposed to the SDA teachings early on. However, during the 60s and up until recently I fell to the wayside with alcohol and drugs, which almost consumed me to my death several times. I sit here this morning with the snow rising up to the windows, so desperately needing to make it back to the Lord. I am now 64 years old and so very tired of my past life. I've been on the right path for this new year so far. Pray for me, please. Susan
Hi Susan, I will and I am sure many others will uphold you in our prayers. It is wonderful that you are at last able to rest from your troubled life and rest in the LORD's loving arms.
I would love to hear what you have found most helpful in keeping you close to the LORD this year.
I have found this text most encouraging, I am asking the rest of our friends on this site to also share which texts they have found encouraging.
May both the wisdom of God and the power of God be seen in your life, to His glory. Amen.
as christians ,we should humble ourselve in every occation since at the time we will misbeave, the devil will take advantage and exposs us .lets not take alot of time critizicing sinners bt try as much as posible to introduce them to source of wisdom {GOD}.By the way ,we amad man snarch the cloths of awise person ,who will u consider mad?
Prov 14:1 (NKJV) The wise woman builds her house,
But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.
I'm wondering why the lesson overlooked this important description of a fool in Proverbs 14. It may be that destructive could be combined into the other characteristics described in the rest of chapter but this one points specifically to one's home and I think it is not to missed but even meditated on.
Other versions say:
(Good New Tran) Homes are made by the wisdom of women,
but are destroyed by foolishness.
---- I like this version because it implies foolish action, it doesn't just label a person.
(Message) Lady Wisdom builds a lovely home;
Sir Fool comes along and tears it down brick by brick.
---- This version at least shares the gender responsibility but also seems to bring the 'home' into a more physical aspect not just mental and spiritual aspects.
(New Century) A wise woman strengthens her family,
but a foolish woman destroys hers by what she does.
(New American Bible (Revised)) Wisdom builds her house,
but Folly tears hers down with her own hands.
Hi Dorothy, there is so much to learn in Proverbs, different instructions resonate with different people.
I really appreciate your bringing out this one about a woman and her house, it is important to me as a mother.
I would like to invite you and other mothers to share some examples of what builds up a home and what breaks it down.
Love, kindness, caring, loyalty I believe are things that build up a home.
When a mother puts having a show house before spending time with the children, when the rules are harshly enforce these things break down a home.
When a young mother lives in the moment of temptation, forsaking a child and husband (who is away), she pulls down the home.
When a mother seems to degrade her current marriage by professing 'love' for another man, she pulls down the home.
When a father fulfills his social desires at bars w/o his wife's presence, leaving her to raise two children on her own, HE pulls down the home.
Savior, help me to forgive and give me Your wellspring of life and love to love others.