Topical Bible: Fools: Avoid Them

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, the term "fool" is often used to describe a person who lacks wisdom, understanding, or reverence for God. The Scriptures provide numerous warnings about the dangers of associating with fools and the importance of avoiding their influence.

Characteristics of Fools

The Bible paints a vivid picture of the characteristics of fools. In Proverbs 1:7, it is stated, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline." This verse highlights a fundamental trait of fools: their disdain for wisdom and correction. They are often characterized by their rejection of Godly instruction and their inclination towards folly.

Proverbs 18:2 further describes fools: "A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions." This suggests that fools are more interested in expressing their own views than in seeking true understanding or knowledge.

Consequences of Foolishness

The Bible warns of the dire consequences that accompany foolish behavior. Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This verse underscores the danger of associating with fools, as their influence can lead to personal harm and misfortune.

In Ecclesiastes 10:1, the impact of foolishness is likened to a small amount of folly outweighing wisdom and honor: "As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." This metaphor illustrates how even a small amount of foolishness can tarnish one's reputation and achievements.

Avoiding Fools

The Bible provides clear guidance on the importance of avoiding fools. Proverbs 14:7 advises, "Stay away from a foolish man; you will gain no knowledge from his speech." This directive emphasizes the futility of engaging with fools, as their words offer no true wisdom or insight.

In 2 Corinthians 6:14, believers are cautioned against forming close associations with those who do not share their values: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?" While this verse primarily addresses relationships with unbelievers, it also underscores the broader principle of avoiding those whose influence may lead one away from righteousness.

The Call to Wisdom

The call to avoid fools is ultimately a call to pursue wisdom and righteousness. Proverbs 4:5-7 encourages believers to "Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding."

By heeding the biblical admonition to avoid fools, believers are better positioned to cultivate a life marked by wisdom, understanding, and a deep reverence for God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 9:6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you perceive not in him the lips of knowledge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ the Only Rest for the Weary and Heavy-Laden
... against the disciple of Christ, and esteemest them madmen, fools, schismatics, and ...
open to his wrath and indignation, and would willingly avoid them; who hate ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/christ the only rest for.htm

Under King John
... to fear ever, lest when one cannot avoid them, one should ... applauded and some wept,
and he told them how worthily ... shoulder to grin back at the fools, his friends ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ix under king john.htm

Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ...
... certainly do with their tongue confess one Jesus Christ, make fools of themselves ...
disciple, in his Epistle already mentioned, commands us to avoid them, when he ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi proofs from the apostolic.htm

The World Our Enemy.
... the wise men of the world, in God's eyes, were but fools, for they ... yield to its
principles, yet they speak strongly against men of the world, and avoid them. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon iii the world our.htm

A Common Mistake and Lame Excuse
... that there is plenty of time to avoid them and to ... up as a screen between them and
God, between them and what ... that, having it, they should be such fools as to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/a common mistake and lame.htm

The Care of the Soul Urged as the one Thing Needful
... they who neglect God and their own souls, are spoken of as fools, as if ... mind, but
with all your artifice and all your resolution can you entirely avoid them? ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the care of the soul.htm

On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory, and ...
... contrition for them, and resolving to avoid them for the ... in the next world, He rewards
them chiefly in ... these saints were sometimes considered fools and treated ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 37 on the last.htm

On Doing Good to the Body of Our Neighbor.
... Fools, again, who avoid the exercise of ... is a danger lest, in using the words of the
learned, we harden the souls of the unlearned by leading them away from ...
/.../chapter 27 name doing good.htm

Jesus, Pilate and Herod.
... Then Herod laughed and said, "Now that proves indeed that he is a king of fools.". ...
He has already suffered by his follies and will avoid them in the future. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter vii jesus pilate and.htm

A Digression Upon the Imperfection of the virtues of the Pagans.
... and kill the just in order to avoid the shame and ... or monstrous, we cast them off,
and abandon them." So that ... themselves to be wise they became fools, and their ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x a digression upon.htm