How To Be A Fool

We classify the book of Proverbs as wisdom literature. The reader of Proverbs learns how to be wise through the insight of God, delivered by King Solomon and other writers. Over and over in its pages, the book denounces foolish lifestyles while holding up righteous living attuned to the wisdom of God. Wisdom encompasses more than mere intelligence; it is applied knowledge, understanding, and skillfulness. The words used in the Old Testament for “fool” describe one who is silly, perverse, even wicked. This great distinction offers many practical lessons. Unfortunately, many today get things backward and make poor choices. Rejecting wisdom, they have learned instead to become fools. If that’s what you want to learn, the book of Proverbs can teach you how to be a fool. 

A fool will turn away from sound instruction. This is the fool’s first and best defense against changing his ways. Listening to others would encroach upon his selfishness. No matter its source, helpful wisdom must always be refused by the fool (1:7). This process begins from the early days when he despises his father’s instruction (15:5). He does not respect the authority and experience of his parents, and so the fool rejects their admonitions as a general rule. This is mirrored in later days by the fool’s attitude toward his teachers, employers, and God (1:23-25; 13:18; 23:9). As a result of his pride, the fool has no heart for wisdom (17:16). Why should the fool have to listen to anyone? He already has all the answers, since his way is right in his own eyes (12:15). 

A fool will choose his words carelessly. Speaking loud, early, and often is the fool’s way. There will be no time for listening and learning, as the fool is continuously prating and babbling (10:8, 19; 18:13). He always takes an opportunity to “hold court” and never takes a hint to “hold his peace” (17:28). Lies and gossip may be a shame to some, even an abomination to God (12:22; 16:28). The fool, however, is more than happy to bring ruin to himself and others by careless words (6:2; 10:14, 18). In fact, he takes pride in his transgressions! To the fool, doing wrong is like a joke, and so he flaunts his folly (10:23; 13:16). Where is the fool’s greatest delight? Not in edification or understanding, but only in expressing his own heart (18:2). 

A fool will neglect necessary preparation. He cannot be bothered by any sort of planning, forethought, or caution. His trust in his own heart is absolute, and as a result he gives no consideration to the impact of his actions (28:26). For the fool, the relationship of bad choices with bad outcomes remains a surprising one. Self-confidence and shortsightedness are the constant companions of the fool (14:16). The fool’s neglect of necessary preparation is also accomplished through laziness (13:4; 15:19). When faced with an approaching difficulty or disaster, the fool does not make provision for himself or his family (12:27; 22:3; 24:30-31). Others can labor to meet life’s needs, but the fool does not possess that ambition (6:6-8). His “inactivity goals” are already met at the start of each day, and so naturally he must avoid work. And besides, who knows what dangers or challenges could meet the man who goes out to labor? Any excuse is sufficient cause to leave chores undone (20:4; 22:13). 

We know very well how to be fools, but the wisdom literature of God holds more lessons. The book of Proverbs describes the bad end of those who are silly, perverse, and wicked (10:27-30), but change is possible (14:27). The Lord provides insight so that we may have reward and not punishment. May we live righteously in the wisdom of God and reject the lifestyle of the fool.