Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature: Foolishness in the Bible is often characterized by a lack of wisdom, understanding, and reverence for God. It is frequently associated with moral and spiritual deficiencies rather than mere intellectual shortcomings. The term is used to describe actions, attitudes, and behaviors that are contrary to the wisdom and righteousness that God desires for His people. Old Testament References: The concept of foolishness is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly in the wisdom literature. In Proverbs, foolishness is contrasted with wisdom, and the fool is depicted as someone who despises instruction and correction. Proverbs 1:7 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights the foundational role of reverence for God in acquiring true knowledge and wisdom. Proverbs 14:1 further illustrates the destructive nature of foolishness: "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." Here, foolishness is shown to have tangible, negative consequences, leading to the ruin of what could have been established through wisdom. New Testament References: In the New Testament, foolishness is often linked to spiritual blindness and a rejection of God's truth. The Apostle Paul addresses the folly of human wisdom in contrast to the wisdom of God. In 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Paul 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." This passage underscores the idea that what the world considers foolish—the message of the cross—is, in fact, the ultimate wisdom and power of God. Jesus also speaks of foolishness in His parables. In Matthew 7:26-27, He compares those who hear His words and do not act on them to a foolish man who builds his house on sand, leading to its collapse. This parable emphasizes the importance of not only hearing but also applying God's Word in one's life. Characteristics of Foolishness: 1. Rejection of God’s Wisdom: Foolishness is marked by a refusal to accept and apply divine wisdom. Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." 2. Moral and Spiritual Blindness: Foolishness often involves a lack of discernment and an inability to recognize spiritual truths. Romans 1:21-22 describes those who, "although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and darkened in their foolish hearts." 3. Pride and Self-Sufficiency: A fool often exhibits pride, believing in their own sufficiency apart from God. Proverbs 28:26 warns, "He who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe." 4. Destructive Behavior: Foolishness leads to actions that are harmful to oneself and others. Ecclesiastes 10:12-13 notes, "The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool consume him. The beginning of his talk is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness." Consequences of Foolishness: The Bible warns of the dire consequences of living a life marked by foolishness. Proverbs 19:3 states, "A man’s own folly ruins his life, yet his heart rages against the LORD." This highlights the self-destructive nature of foolishness and the tendency to blame God for the resulting troubles. In the eschatological context, Jesus warns of the ultimate consequence of foolishness in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). The foolish virgins, who were unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival, are shut out from the wedding feast, symbolizing the eternal separation from God for those who are spiritually unprepared. Remedy for Foolishness: The Bible offers a remedy for foolishness through the pursuit of wisdom, which begins with the fear of the Lord. James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Embracing humility, seeking God's guidance, and adhering to His Word are essential steps in overcoming foolishness and living a life that honors God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality of being foolish.2. (n.) A foolish practice; an absurdity. Greek 3472. moria -- foolishness ... foolishness. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: moria Phonetic Spelling: (mo-ree'-ah) Short Definition: folly, absurdity Definition: folly ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3472.htm - 6k 877. aphrosune -- foolishness 454. anoia -- folly, foolishness 3474. moros -- dull, stupid, foolish 3471. moraino -- to be foolish 3473. morologia -- foolish talking Strong's Hebrew 5531. sikluth -- folly... folly. Word Origin from sakal Definition folly NASB Word Usage folly (5), foolishness (1). folly, foolishness. Or sikluwth (Eccl. ... /hebrew/5531.htm - 6k 5039. nebalah -- senselessness, disgrace 200. ivveleth -- folly 3689. kesel -- loins, stupidity, confidence 5528. sakal -- to be foolish or a fool Library Of the Foolishness of the Cross. Of Wisdom and Foolishness. Of the Foolishness of the Philosophers. Foolishness of Preaching. Of the Equity, Wisdom, and Foolishness of Christians. Christ Crucified is an Offence and Foolishness to those who ... But Since Celsus Has Declared it to be a Saying of Many Christians ... The First Epistle to the Corinthians the Pauline Salutation of ... 2 Cor. xi. 21 When Confessing the Divinity of Christ we Ought not to Pass Over ... Thesaurus Foolishness (30 Occurrences)...Foolishness (30 Occurrences). Mark 7:22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness. ... /f/foolishness.htm - 15k Folly (68 Occurrences) Foolish (259 Occurrences) Madness (13 Occurrences) Fool (95 Occurrences) World's (21 Occurrences) Mortar (16 Occurrences) Ahithophel (17 Occurrences) Fools (53 Occurrences) Preach (72 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about foolishness? | GotQuestions.orgWhy are both wisdom and foolishness pictured as women in Proverbs? | GotQuestions.org Do Proverbs 26:4 and 26:5 contradict? How can both verses be true? | GotQuestions.org Foolishness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Foolishness (30 Occurrences)Mark 7:22 1 Corinthians 1:18 1 Corinthians 1:20 1 Corinthians 1:21 1 Corinthians 1:23 1 Corinthians 1:25 1 Corinthians 2:14 1 Corinthians 3:19 2 Corinthians 11:1 2 Corinthians 11:17 2 Corinthians 11:21 2 Samuel 15:31 Psalms 38:5 Psalms 69:5 Proverbs 12:23 Proverbs 14:8 Proverbs 14:18 Proverbs 14:24 Proverbs 15:2 Proverbs 15:14 Proverbs 19:3 Proverbs 22:15 Proverbs 24:9 Proverbs 27:22 Ecclesiastes 2:2 Ecclesiastes 7:25 Ecclesiastes 10:1 Ecclesiastes 10:13 Isaiah 9:17 Isaiah 44:25 Subtopics Related Terms Thoughtlessness (2 Occurrences) |