Articles
The Fool
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The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
But fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Prov. 1:7)
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On April Fool's Day, it is appropriate that we consider the proverbs of the wisest man who ever lived on what makes a foolish man a fool.
If foolishness is the antithesis of wisdom, then the dominant character trait of the fool is his dismissive attitude toward wisdom. He "despises wisdom and instruction" (1:7), whether that wisdom comes from his parents (15:5) or his friends (23:9). He prefers rather to figure things out on his own. He "trusts in his own heart" (28:26), confident of his ability to chart his own way in life (14:16). His way is "right in his own eyes" (12:15); why does he need anyone else's opinion?
Speaking of opinions, the fool has plenty--and is more than happy to share them. "A fool has no delight in understanding, but in expressing his own heart" (18:2). He "vents all his feelings" (29:11), to no good purpose. His mouth "pours forth foolishness" (15:2), and everyone but him can see it. His rash talk is good at starting quarrels (20:3), but not much else.
Naturally, his DIY approach to life is a disaster. Again and again, his go-it-alone decision-making results in beatings, whether metaphorical or literal (19:29; 26:3). Normal people would learn from these experiences and become wiser. The gaze of the fool, however, is set on "the ends of the earth" (17:24); consequently, he is blind to the obvious right in front of him. He will not learn from his mistakes, so he repeats them (26:11), oblivious to the root cause. His lack of wisdom will slowly strangle him (10:21), and his legacy will be one of shame (3:35), to the disappointment of those closest to him (10:1; 17:21). His is a life wasted.
Wisdom cries out, "you fools, be of an understanding heart" (8:5). But the fool thinks he already has it. In his narcissism, the fool is only fooling himself: "The folly of fools is deceit" (14:8).
The moral of the story: Learn to listen to the counsel of others, especially God. Don't be a fool.
--David
