We all have fools in our life. I know I do and there have been times when those people are me, myself and I. So how do you recognize a “fool”? Who does the Bible say is a “fool”?
This is gonna hurt me more than it hurts you...
Do you know someone who denies that God exists? Are you or do you know someone who is rebelling against God? Are you disregarding something you know God wants or commands you to do?
The fool says in his heart “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1).
Are you having to deal with a chronic liar? Someone who is deceptive? Are you that person?
He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool (Proverbs 10:18).
How many do you know who are quick-tempered? Are you quick-tempered?
A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted
(Proverbs 12:16).
How many of us have a problem with acting impulsively and not thinking about the consequences of our actions or our words.
Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about it!
(Proverbs 13:16).
A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded and reckless
(Proverbs 14:16).
How about that person who can’t seem to stand “dead-air” and talks endlessly about everything and nothing? You know that saying “I know enough to be dangerous”? Have you ever said that?
A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions
(Proverbs 18:2).
Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin
(Proverbs 10:14).
A fool's mouth is his undoing,
and his lips are a snare to his soul (Proverbs 18:7).
Do you hold yourself accountable for your words and actions?
A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence (Proverbs 15:5).
A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool
(Proverbs 17:10).
Are you a good money steward?
Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire to get wisdom? (Proverbs 17:16).
In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has (Proverbs 21:20).
Do you or someone you know pick fights? Or look for things to disagree about?
A fool's lips bring him strife,
and his mouth invites a beating. (Proverbs 18:6).
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control
(Proverbs 29:11).
Do you work hard to support yourself and/or your family or do you depend on others to supply your needs? (I am not talking about the person who has fallen on hard times and needs a helping hand).
Foolish people refuse to work and almost starve (Ecclesiastes 4:5).
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning,
but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.
(Ecclesiastes 7:4).
Fools are so exhausted by a little work that they have no strength for even the simplest tasks (Ecclesiastes 10:15 NLT).
Do you learn from your mistakes?
As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly (Proverbs 26:11).
Though you grind a fool in a mortar,
grinding him like grain with a pestle,
you will not remove his folly from him. (Proverbs 27:22).
I think that the term “fool” probably applies to each of us at some time in our life. If any of these scriptures have pricked your conscience then please, please make sure you acknowledge it, seek forgiveness and ask God our Father to direct your steps so that you can keep your walk straight.
If these scripture brought a particular person and/or persons to mind, what then? I mean really, what if it is a child or a sibling? What then? What if it is a parent? Face it, you can’t “fix” them. Pray for them, yes but don’t lecture them. You will be wasting your breath. Scripture also tells us that a fool doesn’t listen to good advice.
Proverbs 15:5
A fool spurns his father's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence.
Proverbs 23:9
Do not speak to a fool, for he will scorn the wisdom of your words
Proverbs 26:4
Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.
Proverbs go on an on about “fools”. Me thinks that God doesn’t like them and doesn’t want us to be one or associate with them. I went to the website biblegateway.com and searched on the keyword “fool” (NIV) and came up with 79 references. So once again, what if you are related to one? In acknowledging that there have been times in my life when I have to point the finger back at myself; I also acknowledge that there a few “others” that are a part of my life on a daily basis. A few are family members and some are co-workers. How to deal with them? I turn to the same scriptures that describe foolishness to learn the wise response. Look at the scriptures above again, and this time ask yourself this question….
What does a wise person look like and how do they behave. I don’t know about you; but I would love to be thought of as a wise person.
I searched on the word “wisdom” and came up with 215 references….the Bible is the only self-help book you will ever need.
OK, I am done with my sermon. Please know I was preaching to myself. I also don't think I have any answers. The answers are in God's word...if I have pointed you in that direction then I did OK.
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Excellent article. I would be lying not to say that I too at times must point the finger in my own direction however I strive to be a wise old man. I do know of people in my life I would call foolish and I pray for those people as well. I thank God for coming into my life and for His forgiveness and pray for Him to always guide me to follow His will. God bless you and may you find His peace in your life.
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