Topical Bible: Character of the Wicked: Foolish

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The Bible frequently associates wickedness with foolishness, portraying the fool as one who rejects wisdom and understanding, often leading to moral and spiritual ruin. This entry explores the characteristics and consequences of foolishness as depicted in Scripture.

Definition and Nature of Foolishness

In biblical terms, foolishness is not merely a lack of intelligence but a moral and spiritual deficiency. The fool is one who despises wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7). This rejection of divine guidance is a hallmark of the wicked, who choose their own path over God's.

Characteristics of the Foolish

1. Rejection of God: The fool denies the existence and authority of God. Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good." This denial leads to a life devoid of moral compass and accountability.

2. Lack of Understanding: Proverbs 18:2 describes the fool's disdain for understanding: "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions." The wicked are characterized by their unwillingness to seek or accept wisdom, preferring their own flawed reasoning.

3. Pride and Arrogance: The fool is often marked by pride, which blinds them to their own faults and the truth of God's word. Proverbs 12:15 notes, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel."

4. Impulsivity and Recklessness: The foolish are impulsive, acting without consideration of consequences. Ecclesiastes 10:13-14 illustrates this: "The beginning of his talking is folly, and the end of his speech is evil madness. Yet the fool multiplies words."

5. Resistance to Correction: Proverbs 15:5 highlights the fool's resistance to discipline: "A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent." The wicked refuse to learn from their mistakes, persisting in their folly.

Consequences of Foolishness

1. Destruction and Ruin: The path of the fool leads to destruction. Proverbs 10:21 warns, "The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of judgment." The wicked's refusal to embrace wisdom results in their downfall.

2. Isolation and Shame: Foolishness often leads to social and relational breakdown. Proverbs 13:20 advises, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." The fool's behavior alienates them from others and brings shame upon themselves.

3. Divine Judgment: Ultimately, the foolish will face God's judgment. Proverbs 19:29 declares, "Judgments are prepared for mockers, and beatings for the backs of fools." The wicked's rejection of God and His wisdom results in eternal consequences.

Contrast with the Wise

The Bible contrasts the fool with the wise, who fear the Lord and seek His understanding. Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." The wise embrace God's instruction, leading to life and blessing, while the foolish persist in their wickedness to their own detriment.

In summary, the character of the wicked as foolish is a recurring theme in Scripture, highlighting the moral and spiritual deficiencies that lead to their ultimate ruin. The Bible calls believers to seek wisdom and understanding, aligning their lives with God's truth and avoiding the path of the fool.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 32:6
Do you thus requite the LORD, O foolish people and unwise? is not he your father that has bought you? has he not made you, and established you?
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Psalm 5:5
The foolish shall not stand in your sight: you hate all workers of iniquity.
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Library

Appendix.
... To this human being, of such a character, to so wicked a king ... Or else does foolish
error think wings were born him in his old age, whence to fly heavenward? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/ad nationes/appendix.htm

Of True virtue; and of the Estimation of a Good or Bad Citizen.
... we appear to you wise, imitate us; if foolish, despise us ... and righteous men, as though
they were wicked and impious ... Or does the character of our good man depend ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xii of true virtue and.htm

A Preservative against Unsettled Notions, and Want of Principles ...
... Well then might he say to the latter, in this character, "Be not over-much wicked,
neither be thou foolish; why shouldst thou die before thy time?" And to the ...
/.../a preservative against unsettled notions.htm

The Wise and Foolish virgins
... their baptism, to renounce the pomps and vanities of this wicked world ... I have been
drawing, though in miniature, the character of these foolish virgins, have ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/the wise and foolish virgins.htm

Colossians i. 9
... This same character shows itself in matters of conduct ... will adopt, without scruple,
the most foolish, commonplace notions ... not do anything low or wicked, but it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture iv colossians i 9.htm

The Folly of Slander. Part 2.
... sufficiently be demonstrated no less foolish. And that it is extremely sinful may
easily be shown. It is the character of the superlatively wicked man: "Thou ...
/.../barrow/sermons on evil-speaking by isaac barrow/the folly of slander part 2.htm

What Apuleius Attributes to the Demons, to Whom, Though He Does ...
... and law of rectitude. They resemble in character, though not in bodily
appearance, wicked and foolish men. I might indeed say they ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 3 what apuleius attributes to.htm

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... among these that were one in heart and work, is the character of the ... Pleasure and
its attendants are not comely for a wicked man, (ie a foolish man) much ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

Of God and his Affections, and the Censure of Epicurus.
... And this ought to be foreign to the character of a wise and weighty ... else is he to
be called than a deceiver, double-tongued, wicked, and moreover foolish? ...
/.../a treatise on the anger of god addressed to donatus/chap iv of god and his.htm

Tenth Commandment
... and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful ... After twenty years spent in that wicked
city, he had to ... Up to a certain point his character shone magnificently ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/tenth commandment.htm