The Bible has a lot to say about fools. Throughout Scripture, fools are portrayed as those who lack wisdom and discernment. They reject God and His ways, instead living according to their own flawed thinking and desires. The book of Proverbs especially focuses on the characteristics of fools and how to avoid foolish behavior. Here is an overview of some key Bible passages that discuss fools:
Proverbs on Fools
Proverbs contains many verses warning against foolishness and describing the traits of a fool. For example:
- “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15)
- “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” (Proverbs 18:2)
- “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.” (Proverbs 15:14)
- “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far away.” (Proverbs 22:15)
- “Fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
- “A fool’s mouth lashes out with pride, but the lips of the wise protect them.” (Proverbs 14:3)
These verses illustrate how fools do not listen to wisdom or seek understanding. They are prideful, undisciplined, and quick to speak folly. Proverbs gives wise advice for avoiding foolishness and instead pursuing prudence.
Psalms on Fools
The Psalms also contain references to fools. For example:
- “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)
- “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
- “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?” (Proverbs 1:22)
Psalm 14 describes how fools deny God’s existence and live in corruption. Psalm 53 asks how long fools will continue in simplicity and mockery, hating wisdom. Fools are equated with the wicked and evildoers.
Jesus on Fools
Jesus had strong words for the Pharisees, calling them hypocrites and fools:
- “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are. Woe to you, blind guides! You say, ‘If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but anyone who swears by the gold of the temple is bound by that oath.’ You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?” (Matthew 23:13-17)
Jesus condemned the religious leaders for their outward piety masking inward corruption. He pronounced woes upon them for preventing people from entering God’s kingdom. Although educated and esteemed, they lacked spiritual understanding.
Writings of Paul on Fools
The apostle Paul also mentioned fools in his New Testament writings:
- “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.” (Romans 1:22-23)
- “We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!” (1 Corinthians 4:10)
- “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.” (1 Corinthians 3:18-19)
To the Corinthians, Paul described how true wisdom comes from God and seems like foolishness to the world. Although his message of a crucified Christ appeared foolish, it contained the deepest spiritual truths. Paul was willing to be seen as a fool for the sake of the gospel.
Fools in the Old Testament
In addition to the wisdom books and Psalms, the Old Testament historical accounts also contain stories involving fools:
- “The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.” (Proverbs 3:35)
- “Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.” (Proverbs 12:16)
- “A fool finds pleasure in wicked schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.” (Proverbs 10:23)
- “Folly brings joy to one who has no sense, but whoever has understanding keeps a straight course.” (Proverbs 15:21)
- “Like a dog that returns to its vomit is a fool who repeats his folly.” (Proverbs 26:11)
- “Like cutting off one’s feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool.” (Proverbs 26:6)
- “If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.” (Proverbs 29:9)
- “There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.” (Proverbs 29:20)
These proverbs emphasize that fools consistently make unwise choices and lack self-control. They stir up strife and problems. It is better to maintain silence at times than try reasoning with a fool consumed by foolishness.
Consequences of Foolishness
What happens to those who live as fools? The Bible warns that folly leads to calamity and destruction:
- “Fools die for lack of sense.” (Proverbs 10:21)
- “The waywardness of fools will be their undoing.” (Proverbs 1:32)
- “A large group of fools brings disorder, but the wise will calm anger.” (Proverbs 29:11)
- “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
- “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.” (Proverbs 18:6)
- “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way. (Proverbs 19:2)
- “A false witness will perish, but a careful listener will testify successfully.” (Proverbs 14:5)
- “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.” (Proverbs 6:16-19)
According to Scripture, foolishness leads to death, calamity, violence, strife, suffering, and the hatred of God. Fools who continue in their simple-mindedness outside of God’s wisdom face negative eternal consequences.
Qualities of a Fool
Based on all these Bible passages, we can summarize the qualities of a fool:
- Rejects God and lacks spiritual understanding
- Stubborn, unteachable, and scoffs at wisdom
- Thinks highly of own opinions and ways
- Lives according to fleshly appetites and desires
- Quick to anger and stirs up strife
- Hates and avoids knowledge, discipline, and correction
- Habitually makes unwise choices
- Pursues wickedness and folly
- Speaks rashly and spreads lies
- Disregards consequences and invites calamity
In contrast, the wise person pursues God and righteousness. They receive instruction, avoid strife, speak carefully, and make prudent choices. Wisdom leads to life, while persistent foolishness leads to destruction.
Becoming Wise Instead of a Fool
How can one avoid foolishness and become wise instead? The Bible gives guidance for gaining wisdom:
- “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)
- “Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I instruct you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths.” (Proverbs 4:10-11)
- “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
- “Who is wise? Let them realize these things. Who is discerning? Let them understand. The ways of the LORD are right; the righteous walk in them, but the rebellious stumble in them.” (Hosea 14:9)
- “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)
In summary, the wise person:
- Fears God and obeys His word
- Seeks wisdom and instruction
- Walks in righteous, straight paths
- Surrounds self with wise influences
- Avoids the company of fools
God promises wisdom to those who earnestly seek it. His word provides the guidance needed for living an upright and prudent life. As Proverbs 4:7 states, “The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Seeking after and applying God’s wisdom protects us from stumbling down the path of foolishness.
Fools in the Church
Unfortunately, fools can be found even among God’s people within the church. Scripture offers warnings about this:
- “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
- “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.'” (1 Corinthians 15:33)
- “What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” (2 Corinthians 6:15-16)
- “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18)
Believers are told not to partner with or tolerate the presence of unrepentant fools in the church. Their corrupting influence can spread like leaven. While we should gently correct and instruct fools within the body, those who continually deny wisdom and promote disunity must ultimately be removed (Matthew 18:15-17). Otherwise, they will infect others and bring shame to the name of Christ.
God’s Response to Fools
How does God deal with those who stubbornly follow the path of a fool? The Bible indicates that He eventually ceases offering correction and abandons them to the fruit of their ways:
- “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you.” (Proverbs 9:7-8)
- “A mocker resents correction; they will not consult the wise.” (Proverbs 15:12)
- “Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them.” (Proverbs 27:22)
- “Speak not in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.” (Proverbs 23:9)
Prolonged rejection of wisdom causes God to eventually withdraw His Spirit and leave a fool to their twisted thinking. Without humility and repentance, there is no hope of helping them. Their hearts have become too hardened against all righteous counsel.
In Closing
The Bible contains solemn warnings about the dangers of foolishness and simple-mindedness. Fools lack spiritual understanding and humility. They bring harm to themselves and others. But God offers grace and wisdom to all who sincerely seek after Him. By fearing God, avoiding foolish companions, and heeding scriptural advice, we can walk in righteousness and prudent understanding. Although the path of the foolish leads to destruction, the way of wisdom leads to blessing and life.