Taken from Marcus Ardern's website - Not my own work
Observations on the Life of a Fool
There are other passages than the book of proverbs that record some telling insights about the life of a fool. For example: silly intellectuals lost in the delusion of self admiration and conceits pronounce themselves to be wise men indeed (Romans 1:22).
Also the atheist fool talks to himself in his own heart affirming a statement of his faith in atheism (Psalm 14:1). He has a vested interest that his sins will not be accounted for , having done away in philosophy with both the judge and judgment day, to leave him free to follow his own course. However if the truth has different facts in store his idea or affirmation will be revealed as the foolishness it truly is.
It seems clear to me, in the Scriptures that there is a certain type of person who may be described as a fool. However, it also true that Jesus told us not to judge each other as fools, or we will be in danger of punishment.
This being said we can look at our own lives and see whether we are being foolish, and we can discern whether the other person is foolish or a fool. Discernment and correct assessment does not necessarily lead to us offering condemnation to the other person. It is just that we recognize who we are dealing with and acting accordingly. One of the great gifts given as an evidence of working by The Holy Spirit is the ability to recognize what spirit we are dealing with (1 Corinthians 12:10).
Also the Scriptures are able to make us “wise unto salvation” that means having the wisdom that points to Salvation in the faith in Jesus Christ, or reveals its true nature (2 Timothy 3:15).
King David says in Psalm 119 verse 24 “Thy testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” and in verse 128 “Therefore I esteem all Thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.” For this reason, I think it is good for me to share what I believe the Book of Proverbs teaches concerning foolishness…remembering that Scripture is Gods’ word and is Truth.
The Foolish one and the scoffer and willfully simple one: Are you one of these? Do you have a well earned reputation for high mindedness scoffing and speaking with contempt of others? If you mock and scoff God Himself will scoff at YOU (3:34) and if you live foolishly it will be on display in your life (3:35).
1.
The simpleton loves being shallow and silly. The mocker thinks his scoffing is delightful for himself. Its his way of enjoying himself. Is this you? (1:22)
2.
The foolish one feels prosperous and complacent, but it is his silly self assurance that makes him ignore what will kill him (1:32-33)
3.
The scoffer hates those who offer him advice and correct the errors of his ways. Do you resent those who rebuke you when you deserve it? (9:8) It’s unsafe to rebuke him.
4.
The winking, prating fool will suddenly fall. That one who signals contemptuously with his eyes and lets his mouth run away with him. (10:8-10) see also 10:19
5.
The silly talker has a rod of punishment coming for his own back (10:13)
6.
The foolish person allows himself to become hateful and spreads slander and lies about others (10:18)
7.
When a fool creates mischievous trouble he enjoys it like a sport. It is fun for him (10:23)
8.
An oafish one does not value and highly esteem the feedback that reveals his errors. He grows angry with it (12:1)
9.
The willfully simple person likes the company or wants to follow vain persons or things instead of working (12:11)
10.
The fool is sure he is right (12:15)
11.
When a fool is irritated he lets it be known at once, he does not conceal anything or practice emotional controls (Holy Ghost self control 12:16) he flares up
12.
From within his heart full of foolishness his mouth talks…(12:13
13.
His foolishness is on display in his life (13:16)
14.
He resents his father’s instruction and will not listen (13:1 and 15:5)
15.
If you had walked with wise men you would have been wise but because you walked with the foolish it is destruction you inherit (13:20)
16.
That scoffing one who lacks understanding doesn’t find wisdom if he looks for it, because his scoffing cuts him off from it…(14:6)
17.
A fool loves to joke about the things God calls sin. His humour celebrates things that disgust God. Fools mock at sin. (14:9)
18.
The willfully simple are easily taken in. they are gullible (14:15)
19.
Anger makes you choose silly foolish courses (14:17)
20.
Folly is like a silly crown for a fool (14:24)
21.
The fools mouth is like a tap pouring out with stupidity (15:2)
22.
He does not have the heart to spread good knowledge and does not speak wisdom from the heart (15:7)
23.
His food is foolishness. His mouth feeds on folly (15:14 and 21 he enjoys it.)
24.
His foolishness will bring discipline upon him (16:22)
25.
The foolish one hardly notices when he receives the due results of his errors, the blows that he deserves well (17:10)
26.
Why should the fool waste his money investing in education he chooses to ignore? (17:16)
27.
He rushes into ill considered agreements to go guarantor, making obligations for himself he has not thought carefully through (17:18)
28.
A fool causes his father grief instead of joy (17:21)
29.
The fool is busy day dreaming about far off things instead of considering what is under his nose close at hand (17:24)
30.
If the fool shuts up, he may seem wise (17:28)
31.
The fool loves picking quick quarrels and depicting others as in need of punishment. (18:6)
32.
It is his own mouth that destroys him (18:7)
33.
He is opinionated because he has begun inquiries with his mind already made up with his preconceptions (18:13) this is shameful for him and foolish behaviour.
34.
Delightful life does not suit him, it doesn’t really belong to a person like him (19:10)
35.
God has already provided waiting judgments for the mockers and scoffers. Fitting punishments for the fools (19:29 & 26:3)
36.
Fools love to meddle in other peoples affairs, they love to involve themselves in things that are not at all their business (20:3)
37.
Remove and get rid of the scornful person and peace will reign again (22:10)
38.
A child can remain in foolishness if the parent is not faithful to bring correction (22:15)
39.
No sense instructing the fool because he places no value on your instruction (23:9)
40.
Planning folly in your thoughts is sin and being a scoffer makes you repulsive to other persons (24:9)
41.
There is a nasty heavy presence with the provoked fool (27:3) heavier than a stone. Weightier than sand
42.
If you are wise and contend with the fool he will either try to make a joke of it or grow into a rage losing his temper with you (29:9-11)
43.
Scorners set the town alight but wisdom can quench the angers created (29:8)
I would suggest you often review this list as you inspect your own actions, looking up the scriptures indicated in The Book of Proverbs in your Bible and also look at the list of observations on the wise man.
Thank you for reading this. I believe it will be helpful if you follow it.
© 2009 Marcus Ardern
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