I’ve been a fool

According to the Bible’s description of a fool, I’ve been a fool. Being foolish is one thing but to be a fool of biblical proportions is an entirely different matter, that’s no ordinary fool. I must humbly admit that from time to time, I’ve been a fool as biblically defined.

I am quite sure that I’m not the only one. God’s word is rife with descriptions of fools and foolish behavior. There were just too many of which I could choose, so I’ve pulled verses only from the Book of Wisdom – Proverbs, if you can relate to any of these then you too have been a fool.

After reading through this list, you will realize that you actually know some biblical fools, but it's not about them, it is about you, and with this in mind, I encourage you to be honest in light of the Word of God, examine yourself, take a good look inwardly, repent and re-order your life under God. 

Here goes…

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 1:7 (NLT)

Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. 

Proverbs 1:32 (NLT)

Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. 

Proverbs 12:15 (NLT)

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when insulted. 

Proverbs 12:16 (NLT)

The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge, but fools broadcast their foolishness. 

Proverbs 12:23 (NLT)

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. 

Proverbs 13:16 (NLT)

It is pleasant to see dreams come true, but fools refuse to turn from evil to attain them. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. 

Proverbs 13:19-20 (NLT)

The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves. Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. 

Proverbs 14:8-9 (NLT)

Fools believe every word they hear, but wise people think carefully about everything. 

Proverbs 14:15 (ERV)

The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence. 

Proverbs 14:16 (NLT)

Wealth is a crown for the wise; the effort of fools yields only foolishness. 

Proverbs 14:24 (NLT)

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness. 

Proverbs 15:2 (NLT)

Only a fool despises a parent’s discipline; whoever learns from correction is wise. 

Proverbs 15:5 (NLT)

Fools hate to be told they are wrong, so they refuse to ask wise people for advice. 

Proverbs 15:12 (ERV)

A wise person is hungry for knowledge, while the fool feeds on trash. 

Proverbs 15:14 (NLT)

Intelligent people think about what needs to be done here and now. Fools are always dreaming about faraway places. 

Proverbs 17:24 (ERV)

Fools don’t want to learn from others. They only want to tell their own ideas. Fools say things to start arguments. They are just asking for a beating. Fools hurt themselves when they speak. Their own words trap them. Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish. 

Proverbs 18:2,6,7,13 (ERV)

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. 

Proverbs 20:3 (NLT)

The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

Proverbs 21:20 (NLT)

Fools cannot understand wisdom. They have nothing to say when people are discussing important things. 

Proverbs 24:7 (ERV)

Don’t speak against someone without a good reason, or you will appear foolish. 

Proverbs 24:28 (ERV)

Singing happy songs to a sad person is as foolish as taking a coat off on a cold day…

Proverbs 25:20 (ERV)

Like a dog that returns to its vomit, a fool does the same foolish things again and again. People who think they are wise when they are not are worse than fools. 

Proverbs 26:11-12 (ERV)

Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears. 

Proverbs 26:17 (NLT)

Wise people see trouble coming and get out of its way, but fools go straight to the trouble and suffer for it. 

Proverbs 27:12 (ERV)

Even if you pound fools to powder like grain in a bowl, you will never force the foolishness out of them. 

Proverbs 27:22 (ERV)

If you think you know it all, you’re a fool for sure;

Proverbs 28:26 (MSG)

…The foolish man [ignores logic and fairness and] only rages or laughs, and there is no peace (rest, agreement). 

Proverbs 29:9 (AMP)

Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

Proverbs 29:11 (NLT)

Three things are too much for even the earth to bear, yes, four things shake its foundations— (#2) when a fool gets rich…

Proverbs 30:21, 22 (MSG)

If you have been foolish enough to become proud and make plans against other people, stop and think about what you are doing.

Proverbs 30:32 (ERV)

Amen†

I’ve been a fool

Shelley Johnson March 13, 2017