Topical Bible: Fools

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Bible, the term "fool" is used to describe individuals who lack wisdom, reject God, and engage in morally and spiritually deficient behavior. The concept of foolishness is contrasted with wisdom, which is rooted in the fear of the Lord and adherence to His commandments.

Old Testament References

The Hebrew word for fool, "kesil," often appears in the wisdom literature, particularly in the Book of Proverbs. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse sets the tone for understanding foolishness as a rejection of divine instruction and moral guidance.

Fools are characterized by their speech and actions. Proverbs 10:18 says, "He who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool." This highlights the fool's tendency to engage in deceit and harmful speech. Additionally, Proverbs 12:15 notes, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel," illustrating the fool's arrogance and unwillingness to accept advice.

The Psalms also address the nature of fools. Psalm 14:1 declares, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." Here, foolishness is equated with atheism and moral corruption.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the Greek word "moros" is used to describe fools. Jesus addresses the concept of foolishness in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 7:26 , He warns, "But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand." This parable emphasizes the folly of ignoring Christ's teachings and the inevitable downfall that follows.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of foolishness in his epistles. In 1 Corinthians 1:18 , he writes, "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." Here, Paul contrasts the world's perception of the Gospel as foolishness with its true power and wisdom for believers.

Characteristics of Fools

1. Rejection of God: Fools deny God's existence and authority, leading to moral and spiritual decay (Psalm 14:1).
2. Pride and Arrogance: Fools are often self-assured and dismissive of wise counsel (Proverbs 12:15).
3. Destructive Speech: Fools engage in slander, deceit, and reckless words (Proverbs 10:18).
4. Lack of Self-Control: Proverbs 29:11 states, "A fool vents all his anger, but a wise man holds it back," highlighting the fool's impulsive nature.
5. Resistance to Correction: Fools resist discipline and correction, preferring their own misguided ways (Proverbs 15:5).

Consequences of Foolishness

The Bible warns of the dire consequences of living as a fool. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." Associating with fools leads to personal harm and spiritual peril. Furthermore, Proverbs 19:3 observes, "A man’s own folly subverts his way, yet his heart rages against the LORD," indicating that foolishness leads to self-destruction and misplaced blame on God.

Wisdom as the Antidote

The Scriptures consistently present wisdom as the remedy for foolishness. Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Embracing wisdom involves reverence for God, humility, and a commitment to His ways, which stand in stark contrast to the path of the fool.

Greek

3474. moros -- dull, stupid, foolish
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition dull, stupid, foolish NASB Word Usage fool
(1), foolish (7), foolish things (1), foolishness (1), fools (2). foolish. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3474.htm - 7k

3471. moraino -- to be foolish
... See 3474 (). Word Origin from moros Definition to be foolish NASB Word Usage
became fools (1), become tasteless (2), made foolish (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3471.htm - 7k

3473. morologia -- foolish talking
... grip) on reality. This is the "talk of fools, involving foolishness and sinning
together" (R. Trench, 121). See 3474 (). Word Origin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3473.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

5036. nabal -- foolish, senseless
... Word Origin from nabal Definition foolish, senseless NASB Word Usage fool (9), foolish
(5), foolish man (1), foolish women (1), fools (1), fools* (1). ...
/hebrew/5036.htm - 6k

1984b. halal -- to be boastful, to praise
... give praise (1), giving praise (1), glory (8), go mad (1), going mad (1), mad (1),
madness (1), make its boast (1), makes a mad (1), makes fools (1), making ...
/hebrew/1984b.htm - 6k

191. evil -- foolish
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition foolish NASB Word Usage fool (11), fool's
(1), foolish (6), foolish man (1), fools (7). foolish man. ...
/hebrew/191.htm - 5k

2973. yaal -- to be foolish
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to be foolish NASB Word Usage acted foolishly
(2), become fools (1), foolish (1). dote, be become, do foolishly. ...
/hebrew/2973.htm - 6k

1121. ben -- son
... descendants (14), descendants of the son (1), deserves (2), exiles* (5), father*
(1), fellow* (3), fellows (2), fertile* (1), foal (1), fools* (1), foreigner ...
/hebrew/1121.htm - 8k

3684. kesil -- stupid fellow, dullard, fool
... Word Origin from kasal Definition stupid fellow, dullard, fool NASB Word Usage fool
(35), fool's (2), foolish (6), foolish man's (1), fools (23), stupid (1 ...
/hebrew/3684.htm - 6k

Library

Here Again Arises a Very Difficult Question. For in what Way Shall ...
... Section 28. Here again arises a very difficult question. For in what way shall
we fools? 28. ... He used to lead fools by faith, you lead by reason. ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 28 here again arises.htm

Es Spricht Der Unweisen Mund Wohl. The Mouth of Fools Doth God ...
... III. Es spricht der Unweisen Mund wohl. The Mouth of Fools doth God confess. PSALM
XIV.-"Dixit insipiens in corde suo, Non est Deus." MELODY, Wittenberg, 1525. ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/iii es spricht der unweisen.htm

But those who are Despised for their Ignorance, and Set Down as ...
... Chapter XLVIII. But those who are despised for their ignorance, and set
down as fools and abject? But those who are despised for ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlviii but those who.htm

But who are the Teachers whom we Call Triflers and Fools...
... Chapter LVII. But who are the teachers whom we call triflers and fools?
But who are the teachers whom we call triflers and fools ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lvii but who are.htm

For I Ask, if what is not Known must not be Believed...
... reason. For no one doubts that all men are either fools or wise. [1744]
But now I call wise, not clever and gifted men, but those ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 26 for i ask.htm

Lessons for Worship and for Work
... 'Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than
to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.2 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/lessons for worship and for.htm

Wherefore, Although I am not Able to Teach...
... am not able to teach, yet I cease not to advise, that, (whereas many wish to appear
wise, and it is no easy matter to discern whether they be fools,) with all ...
/.../augustine/on the profit of believing /section 33 wherefore although i.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xiv. 6, "I am the Way, and the ...
... 4195] They are the Apostle's words, not mine: "And their foolish heart was darkened;
for professing themselves to be wise, they became fools." [4196] What by ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xci on the words.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 10
... Homily XIII. 1 Cor. iv. 10. 1 1 Corinthians 4:10 "We are fools for Christ's sake:"
(For it is necessary from this point to resume our discourse:) "but ye are ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xiii 1 cor iv.htm

Essay i. Fortuna Plerumque Est Veluti Galaxia Quarundam Obscurarum ...
... "Does Fortune favour fools? ... In this sense the proverb is current by a misuse, or
a catachresis at least, of both the words, fortune and fools. ...
/.../confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay i fortuna plerumque est.htm

Thesaurus

Fools (53 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Fools (53 Occurrences). Matthew 23:17 You blind fools! ...
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 23:19 You blind fools! ...
/f/fools.htm - 20k

Foolishness (30 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS). Proverbs 12:23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the
hearts of fools proclaim foolishness. (WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/f/foolishness.htm - 15k

Thoughtless (17 Occurrences)
... And scoffers delight them in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge? ... Proverbs 8:5 O ye
simple, understand prudence; And, ye fools, be of an understanding heart. ...
/t/thoughtless.htm - 10k

Simple (40 Occurrences)
... good), and sometimes in a bad sense (Proverbs 7:7, parallel to "destitute of
understanding"; Proverbs 8:5, parallel to "fools" (blockheads); Proverbs 14:15 ...
/s/simple.htm - 21k

Prudent (40 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). 1 Corinthians 4:10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye prudent in
Christ: we weak, but ye strong: ye glorious, but we in dishonour. (DBY NAS). ...
/p/prudent.htm - 20k

Folly (68 Occurrences)
... but it means, rather, "arrogant," which the Revised Version (British and American)
adopts (Psalm 5:5; Psalm 73:3; Psalm 75:4, margin "fools"); cakhal, "a fool ...
/f/folly.htm - 39k

Greater (219 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY BBE WBS). Matthew 23:17 You blind fools! For ... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE
DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV). Matthew 23:19 You blind fools! For ...
/g/greater.htm - 36k

Whether (239 Occurrences)
... you. (KJV). Matthew 23:17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold,
or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? (KJV). Matthew ...
/w/whether.htm - 37k

Important (39 Occurrences)
... Matthew 23:6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,
(See NIV). Matthew 23:17 You blind fools! ... Matthew 23:19 You blind fools! ...
/i/important.htm - 18k

Foolishly (20 Occurrences)
... foolish? (See NAS). Psalms 75:4 I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly:
and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn: (KJV WBS). Proverbs ...
/f/foolishly.htm - 12k

Resources

How does the Bible describe a fool? | GotQuestions.org

What is a fool according to the book of Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org

Do Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict? How can both verses be true? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Fools (53 Occurrences)

Matthew 23:17
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Matthew 23:19
You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
(WEB KJV DBY WBS YLT)

Luke 11:40
Ye fools, did not he that made that which is without make that which is within also?
(KJV DBY WBS RSV)

Luke 24:25
Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
(KJV WBS)

Romans 1:22
Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

1 Corinthians 4:10
We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

2 Corinthians 11:19
For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
(KJV WEY DBY WBS YLT RSV NIV)

Ephesians 5:15
See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
(KJV WBS)

Ephesians 5:17
because of this become not fools, but -- understanding what 'is' the will of the Lord,
(YLT)

2 Samuel 13:13
I, where would I carry my shame? And as for you, you will be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king; for he will not withhold me from you."
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Job 12:17
He leads counselors away stripped. He makes judges fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Job 30:8
They are children of fools, yes, children of base men. They were flogged out of the land.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Psalms 5:5
Insolent fools shall not stand before thine eyes; thou hatest all workers of iniquity.
(DBY)

Psalms 39:8
From all my transgressions deliver me, A reproach of the fool make me not.
(See NIV)

Psalms 74:22
Arise, O God, plead Thy plea, Remember Thy reproach from a fool all the day.
(See NIV)

Psalms 75:4
I said unto the fools, Deal not foolishly: and to the wicked, Lift not up the horn:
(KJV WBS)

Psalms 92:6
A brutish man knoweth not, neither doth a fool understand this.
(See NIV)

Psalms 94:8
Consider, you senseless among the people; you fools, when will you be wise?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV)

Psalms 107:17
Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 1:22
"How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge?
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 1:32
For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 3:35
The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the promotion of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 8:5
You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS)

Proverbs 10:21
The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.
(KJV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 13:19
Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 13:20
One who walks with wise men grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:8
The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:9
Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Proverbs 14:24
The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 14:33
Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.
(WEB YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 15:14
The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Proverbs 16:22
Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 19:29
Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:3
A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!
(WEB JPS ASV DBY YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Proverbs 26:7
Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Proverbs 26:9
Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Ecclesiastes 5:1
Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 5:4
When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:4
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:5
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:6
For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity.
(See RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 7:9
Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 9:17
The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of him who rules among fools.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Ecclesiastes 10:15
The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for he doesn't know how to go to the city.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY)

Isaiah 19:11
Surely the princes of Zoan are fools, the counsel of the wise counsellors of Pharaoh is become brutish: how say ye unto Pharaoh, I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings?
(KJV JPS DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Isaiah 19:13
The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are deceived. They have caused Egypt to go astray, who are the cornerstone of her tribes.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 35:8
A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called The Holy Way. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools will not go there.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Isaiah 44:25
That frustrateth the tokens of the imposters, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish;
(See NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 50:36
A sword is on the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is on her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Fools

Fools: All Men Are, Without the Knowledge of God

Fools: Are: A Grief to Parents

Fools: Are: Angry

Fools: Are: Contentious

Fools: Are: Corrupt and Abominable

Fools: Are: Full of Words

Fools: Are: Given to Meddling

Fools: Are: Liars

Fools: Are: Mere Professors of Religion

Fools: Are: Self-Confident