Topical Bible: Fools: Despise Instruction

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In the biblical context, the term "fool" often refers to someone who rejects wisdom and understanding, particularly the wisdom that comes from God. The Bible frequently contrasts the wise with fools, highlighting the latter's disdain for instruction and correction. This theme is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, especially in the wisdom literature.

Proverbs and the Nature of Fools

The Book of Proverbs, a key source of wisdom literature in the Bible, provides numerous insights into the nature of fools. 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 the fool's attitude towards instruction. The fear of the Lord is foundational to acquiring true knowledge, yet fools reject this path, choosing instead to scorn wisdom and discipline.

Proverbs 12:15 further illustrates this point: "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel." Fools are characterized by their self-reliance and refusal to heed advice, believing their own understanding to be sufficient. This self-deception leads them away from the path of righteousness and into folly.

Consequences of Rejecting Instruction

The rejection of instruction has dire consequences, as outlined in Proverbs 13:18 : "Poverty and shame come to him who ignores discipline, but whoever heeds correction is honored." Fools who despise instruction often find themselves in situations of disgrace and lack, as their refusal to learn and grow results in negative outcomes.

Proverbs 15:5 reinforces this idea: "A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction is prudent." The fool's rejection of parental and divine guidance is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of humility and openness to correction for a life of wisdom and prudence.

Fools in the Broader Biblical Narrative

Beyond Proverbs, the theme of fools despising instruction is echoed throughout the Bible. In the New Testament, Jesus' parables often highlight the folly of those who reject His teachings. For instance, in Matthew 7:26 , Jesus compares those who hear His words but do not act on them to a foolish man who builds his house on sand, leading to its inevitable collapse.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the folly of rejecting divine wisdom in 1 Corinthians 1:18 : "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, the ultimate instruction—the message of the Gospel—is dismissed by those who are perishing, illustrating the spiritual peril of despising divine wisdom.

The Call to Embrace Wisdom

The biblical portrayal of fools serves as a cautionary tale, urging believers to embrace wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 4:7 advises, "Wisdom is supreme; therefore acquire wisdom. And whatever you may acquire, gain understanding." The pursuit of wisdom is a lifelong journey, marked by a willingness to learn, grow, and be corrected.

In summary, the Bible consistently portrays fools as those who despise instruction, leading to their downfall. This rejection of wisdom is contrasted with the path of the wise, who embrace correction and grow in understanding, ultimately finding favor and honor in the sight of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 15:5
A fool despises his father's instruction: but he that regards reproof is prudent.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Young Man's Best Counsellor
... the words of the wise, and their dark sayings.7. The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.8. My son, hear ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a young mans best counsellor.htm

Christ's Prophetic Office
... Fools despise instruction.' Proverbs 1:1. They rage at the word, as if a patient
should rage at the physician when he brings him a cordial; thus backward are ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/3 christs prophetic office.htm

Letter ii. --For 330. Easter-Day xxiv Pharmuthi; xiii Kal. Mai ...
... proverbs, saying, Hear, my children, the instruction of a ... Lord, in Thy city Thou
wilt despise their image ... being changed into the likeness of fools, they fell ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/letter ii for 330 easter-day xxiv.htm

The Broken Fence
... of the ways, but the ways themselves that they despise. ... is all excitement and has
little instruction in it ... whether the martyrs were not great fools for laying ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

Second Sunday Before Lent
... the false preachers often act as fools, nor can ... and create us lords, we soon forget,
even despise. ... more unto preachers of lies, whose instruction redounds to ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday before lent.htm

The Red Lamp.
... well to call those who urge you to despise the warnings ... There are plenty of fools
to tell you that. ... ARE CONSUMED, AND SAY, 'HOW HAVE I HATED INSTRUCTION AND MY ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xx the red lamp.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke xii. 15, "And He Said unto Them ...
... let us hear Him who at once gives judgment and instruction. ... read, are not they who
hear and do not, fools? ... Let it then despise these goods, and be herself good ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lvii on the words.htm

1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... and lowliness, of exaltation, and to despise glory is ... That he might most exceedingly
disparage the heathen instruction. ... Because having by it become fools, by it ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily x 1 cor iii.htm

How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... It is not good to despise such a sly and ... hear the voice of conscience within, nor
any instruction from without ... themselves to be wise, they became fools," ver.21 ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm

Of the Necessity of the Wager
... they have made great efforts for their instruction when they ... religion which they
despise, not to despise them even ... We are fools to depend upon the society of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section iii of the necessity.htm