CHARACTERISTICS OF A FOOL
Proverbs 1:1-2
"The Proverbs of Solomon the son
of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction: to perceive the words
of understanding."
INTRODUCTION:
1. Proverbs
1:1-2.
2. To
know wisdom.
a) Know
– become intimately familiar with.
b) Wisdom
– the right use of one’s knowledge, insight, and skill to the glory of God.
Wisdom involves more than intellectual excellence, it implies a spiritual and
moral quality of heart, will, and life; and is the practical application of
knowledge to its best ends.
3. We
can better understand what it means to be a wise person by considering what is
means to be the opposite kind of person, a fool.
4. What
are some of the characteristics of a fool?
DISCUSSION:
I. Places
his trust in himself (28:26).
A. The
way of a fool is right in his own eyes (12:15).
B. In
contrast, we are to place our trust in God (3:5-6).
II. Despises
wisdom and instruction (1:7).
A. He
doesn’t want anyone to "preach to him," although this is to his
own disadvantage (10:21).
B. He
acts like a "know it all" (18:13). He has an answer ready for others
even before they are finished speaking. Consequently, he does not always
understand the full meaning of what is being said.
III. He
rejects discipline (17:10).
A. A
person who hates reproof is brutish (12:1).
B. A
person who despises correction deprives himself of happiness, peace, and real
prosperity (16:22).
IV. He
is "hot-headed" (14:29).
A. A
person who quickly becomes angry will cause strife within his family, the
church, and his community.
B. Contrasted
with the foolish, a wise person is slow to wrath (James 1:19).
V. Will
be meddling, ASV translates this "quarreling" (20:3).
A. The
fool frequently brings harm to himself and his family by becoming involved in
controversy with others, often in matters that are none of his concern.
B. We
are to do all that is in our power to live peaceably with all men (Romans
12:18).
VI. Speaks
his mind (29:11).
A. A
fool often speaks and later reflects on what he has said. In contrast, a wise
man considers his words before he speaks (Colossians 4:6).
B. A
wise man guards his tongue (James 1:19).
CONCLUSION:
1. What
are some of the characteristics of a foolish person?
a) Places
his trust in himself.
b) Despises
wisdom and instruction.
c) Rejects
discipline.
d) Is
"hot-headed."
e) Is
a meddler (quarreler).
f) Speaks
his mind.
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