THE FOLLY OF FOOLS

Proverbs 14:1,3,7-9;16-18;24,29,33

Repeatedly, Solomon speaks of the fool as he shares God’s wisdom in Proverbs.  It is important to be reminded that the fool is not necessarily mentally deficient, but morally depraved.  They have rejected the Word of God—and that is folly.  Several times in this chapter, Solomon references the fool.

1.  THERE ARE FOOLISH WOMEN WHO DESTROY THEIR HOME.  “The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish pulls it down with her hands.” (v.1).  She is the ultimate “home-wrecker.”

2.  PROUD TALK MARKS THE FOOL.  “In the mouth of a fool is a rod of pride, But the lips of the wise will preserve them.” (v.3). Such proud speech characterizes Satan, and brought his downfall.  So, it will his spawn.

3.   FOLLY IS CONTAGIOUS. “Go from the presence of a foolish man, When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.” (v.7). This is not a disease you want to contract!

4.  THE FOOL IS DECEIVED AND DECEITFUL. “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, But the folly of fools is deceit.” (v.8). Having rejected the truth of Scripture, he is deceived and spreads his deceit among others.

5.  A FOOL SCORNS THE IDEA OF SIN.  “Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.” (v.9). Failing to see immediate consequences of his or her rebellion against God leads them to scorn the very idea of judgment.  He is confident of escaping, “A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.” (v.16).

6. FOOLS HAVE A QUICK FLASHPOINT.  “A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated.” (v.17). They have a quick trigger for anger.  Emotional impulsiveness is a trait, “He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.” (v.29). 

7.  THE NAIVE EMBRACE FOLLY.  “The simple inherit folly, But the prudent are crowned with knowledge.” (v.18). They have rejected the wisdom of an omniscient God.  Fools wear their folly as a badge of honor, “The crown of the wise is their riches, But the foolishness of fools is folly.” (v.24). Even if he is celebrated on earth, the fool will be exposed in eternity, “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, But what is in the heart of fools is made known.” (v.33). 

Don’t be a fool!