Proverbs was written to give wisdom and instruction (Pro. 1:1-7). The proverbs that were compiled into this amazing book were written so that its readers would become wise, and skillful in living. To reject the teaching of wisdom and instruction in this book is to be a fool: “fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pro. 1:7).
The Fool
The book of Proverbs uses the words fool, fools, and foolish at least sixty-nine times in the English Standard Version. However, the foolish man theme is found in at least one hundred places in Proverbs. The book of Proverbs is not just about becoming wise, it is also about not becoming a fool. There are a myriad of admonishments for wise living, but on the other hand the writer places just as much emphasis on forsaking foolishness. Young men are given to foolishness, their lack of maturity gives them a bent towards folly. But the father writing the proverbs urges his young son to pursue wisdom and to turn from folly. Wisdom isn’t just about growing in knowledge, and information. Wisdom is applying what you have learned. But what we see in Proverbs is that the fool despises wisdom and instruction. The fool does not seek knowledge, and therefore does not desire to apply it. By failing to pursue wisdom and instruction he finds destruction. The word “fool” in the Hebrew is defined as being thick headed and stubborn. A young man who will not grow in wisdom is a thick-headed fool.
In this lesson we take a look at ten characteristics of the foolish man.
Ten Characteristics of the Foolish Man
The Fool is a Skeptic: “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no god’” (Ps. 14:1). This is perhaps one of the more well-known scriptures concerning the fool. Atheism is on the rise across our country. This foolish concept is being peddled in public schools and universities. Young men need to know the basic doctrines of God’s existence. Theology isn’t just for ministers and seminarians, but it is crucial for all young men that they may give an answer for the hope that is within them (1 Pt. 3:15). Without a fundamental knowledge and understanding of the existence of God, then you will not be able to comprehend the fear of the Lord, which leads to wisdom.
The Fool Doesn’t Fear the Lord: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Pro. 1:7). Fools disdain wisdom and instruction. The fool who believes there is no God, will not fear that God. By rejecting the truth of God’s existence the fool rejects the wisdom and instruction that comes from God. The height of folly is to not fear falling into the hands of the living God (Heb. 10:31).
The Fool is Always Right: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listen to advice” (Pro. 12:15). Reasonable people will take correction and learn from their mistakes and shortcomings. On the other hand the fool rejects such advice. The foolish man believes that he is always right and everyone else is always wrong. You cannot be a blessed Christian without being corrected (Pro. 3:12; 2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 12:6).
The Fool is Reckless and Careless: “One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless” (Pro. 14:16). A wise young man will be cautious about his behavior and will seek to avoid evil. But the fool willingly throws caution to the wind following his desires and lusts. The wise man weighs the consequences of the choices laid before him, while the fool is careless in his decision making.
The Fool is Unteachable: “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only expressing his opinion” (Pro. 18:2). To not have any regard for learning, or growing in knowledge is foolishness. Young men who never read Scripture, or who are always distracted during the preaching of God’s Word will undoubtedly fail at spiritual matters. The young man who tunes out instruction from parents, teachers, and leaders is nothing but a fool. He is like a man on a journey without a destination and a map. He will continuously wander never finding refuge. Young men who will sit at the feet of the wise, and who will glean from their wisdom will be prosperous in all they do.
The Fool Speaks Foolishly: “The heart of fools proclaim folly” (Pro. 12:23b). Considering that a fool is unteachable, he then will not have anything of value to speak. The fool values his own opinion. Instead of listening while others speak he is simply abiding his time until he gets to speak again. What comes from his mouth is folly, it is the opposite of wisdom. The fool’s heart is void of wisdom, and what is in his heart will spill from his mouth (Prov. 4:23; Lk. 6:45). Remember, the fool says in his heart there is no God (Ps. 14:1). A man whose heart does not house the Spirit of God is subject to the foolishness of his spiritual emptiness.
The Fool Returns to His Sin: “Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly” (Pro. 26:11). Young men who do not forsake their sin are like the dog that returns to his vomit. He returns to what previously made him sick. The gall of guilt should be enough for us to not return to our sin. It should be a reminder that it made us weak and vulnerable to condemnation and shame. The fool does not remember that it once made him sick, but instead returns to partake of it again. Let us turn from our wicked ways to never return!
The Fool Lacks Self-Control: “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated” (Pro. 14:17). Young men often times want to showoff their strength and courage, and in doing so they reveal how weak they are. True strength is being able to control yourself rather than be controlled by circumstance and situation. The young man will be a slave to his emotions, and temper if he does not learn self-restraint. A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls (Pro. 25:28). When you can’t control yourself you’re no better than a city without walls to protect it. You will open yourself up to all sorts of folly. Better to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (Jam. 1:19).
The Fool is Contentious: “A fool’s lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invited a beating” (Pro. 18:6). The young man who can’t control his emotions, probably doesn’t have the resolve to control his tongue either. Our tongues are a strong muscle, and wise is the man who learns to control it. A fool will attend every argument he is invited, or not invited to. The amount of foolish arguing that takes place through social media is a cause of concern. You win one hundred percent of the arguments you don’t get involved with.
The Fool Mocks Sin: “Fools make a mock at sin” (Pro. 14:9 KJV). How many young men mock and scorn the church? Too often young men are drawn to the rebels who believe Christianity is nothing more than a cosmic killjoy. Just as these fools shun the responsibility of forsaking sin, wise men shouldn’t give them audience. Those who mock God’s wisdom, will one day be mocked by God while they are in their calamity (Pro. 1:24-26).
There are many more characteristics of the fool found in the book of Proverbs. Young men should heed to the many warnings of foolish living. Proverbs doesn’t paint a pretty picture of the outcome of being a fool. It would be wise for young men to read the book of Proverbs to see just what it means to be a fool.
This post is part of an ongoing series entitled: Wisdom for Young Men