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The Fool In Proverbs
The Fool In Proverbs
The problem of those who continue to be naive is that it becomes a chosen outlook on life that ignored / rejects outside instruction, advice, and correction. Thus, Proverbs spends a great deal of time speaking of 'the fool'. Again, as with the simple ones, this is not speaking of mental ability to learn, but a chosen path of life.
There are three Hebrew words in Proverbs that are translated 'fool' in our English bibles. The first one occurs more than 50 times. The fool has become enamored with himself and his thinking; he has become wise in his own eyes. Even punishment for his foolish ways will not change his mind: "A rebuke goes deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred blows into a fool" (Proverbs 17:10). He is wiser in his own eyes than all the wise men in the world.
The second word, often connected with the first, is used some 19 times. Kidner remarked of this fool: "The feature that seems specially prominent is his moral insolence: from his first appearance onwards he is impatient of all advice (1:7; 10:8; 12:15; 15:5), and his flippant outlook is crystallized in the famous phrase, ‘fools make a mock at sin’ (14:9). " *
The third word, while only used 3 times, is very instructive on what the Proverb writer considered the main trait of 'the fool'. We encountered this word with David's interaction with Abigal as her husband was 'Nabal' (2Sam. 25:19). His name (possible nickname?) represented his character for "he is such a worthless man that no one can speak to him" (2S. 25:17). That is, he cannot be reasoned with. His mind (opinion) is made up and he rejects any counsel or advice from others.
Thus we can go back to foundations of character. The fool (Nabal) has said there is no god (Ps. 14:1). The fool has rejected the teaching and discipline of his parents (Prov. 15:20). The fool has rejected the fear of the LORD (Prov. 1:29). Thus they make of mock at sin (14:9).
To avoid being a fool, we MUST be willing to be instructed, corrected, and even disciplined. We must be willing to admit that we are NOT the sum of wisdom and discernment. We must be 'quick to hear' and willing to learn. Wisdom has called, the fool will not answer. Are you being foolish, or are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our LORD? Hugh DeLong
* Derek Kidner, Proverbs, An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale OT Commentary Series, Logos edition
