Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "fool" often refers to someone who lacks wisdom, understanding, or reverence for God. One of the characteristics frequently associated with fools in the Scriptures is their contentious nature. This contentiousness is marked by a tendency to engage in strife, argument, and discord, often leading to destructive outcomes.The Book of Proverbs, known for its wisdom literature, provides several insights into the contentious nature of fools. Proverbs 18:6 states, "A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a beating." This verse highlights how the words of a fool often lead to conflict and trouble, suggesting that their speech is a primary source of contention. Further emphasizing this trait, Proverbs 20:3 notes, "It is honorable for a man to resolve a dispute, but any fool will quarrel." Here, the contrast is drawn between the honorable pursuit of peace and the fool's inclination to engage in quarrels. The fool's contentiousness is portrayed as a natural disposition, one that stands in opposition to wisdom and honor. Proverbs 29:9 also illustrates the futility of engaging with a fool: "If a wise man goes to court with a fool, there will be raving and laughing with no resolution." This verse underscores the idea that a fool's contentious nature can lead to chaos and a lack of resolution, as their behavior is often irrational and disruptive. The New Testament also touches on the contentious nature of fools, albeit less directly. In Titus 3:9 , believers are advised to "avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the Law, because these are unprofitable and useless." While not explicitly mentioning fools, the admonition to avoid "foolish controversies" suggests that such disputes are characteristic of those lacking wisdom and understanding. The contentiousness of fools is not merely a personal flaw but is often depicted as having broader social implications. Proverbs 29:22 warns, "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered man abounds in transgression." Although this verse speaks of anger, it aligns with the contentious nature of fools, as their behavior frequently incites division and transgression within a community. In summary, the biblical portrayal of fools as contentious individuals serves as a cautionary depiction of the dangers of strife and discord. The Scriptures consistently advise against engaging with or emulating such behavior, highlighting the value of peace, wisdom, and understanding in contrast to the folly of contentiousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 18:6A fool's lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for strokes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Would that the Memory of the Fathers Would Exhale from the Tombs Divine Impartiality Considered. Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... 1 Cor. xi. 2 Matt. xxvi. 36-38. "But if Ye have Bitter Envying and Strife in Your Hearts, Glory ... Psalm LXXVI. Matt. xvii. 10 Book I. Refutation of the Calumnies by which this Doctrine is Always ... Resources Are atheists more intelligent than believers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it says, “The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God'”? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “redeeming the time” in Ephesians 5:16? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Fools: All Men Are, Without the Knowledge of God Fools: Are: A Grief to Parents Fools: Are: Corrupt and Abominable Fools: Are: Mere Professors of Religion Fools: Delight not in Understanding Fools: Depend Upon Their Wealth Fools: Destroy Themselves by Their Speech Fools: Exhorted to Seek Wisdom Fools: Hate to Depart from Evil Fools: Hear the Gospel and Obey It Not Fools: Honor is Unbecoming For Fools: Lips of, a Snare to the Soul Fools: Shall not Stand in the Presence of God Fools: Sport Themselves in Mischief Fools: The Company of, Ruinous Fools: The Mouth of, Pours out Folly Fools: Trust to Their own Hearts Fools: Worship of, Hateful to God Related Terms |