What is a fool according to the book of Proverbs?

Answer

The word “fool” appears forty times in the ESV version of Proverbs. The ways of the fool are frequently contrasted with the ways of the wise. In contemporary usage, a “fool” can be a “dupe,” an “ignoramus,” or simply a “ridiculous person.” But how is a “fool” defined in Proverbs?

Examining some instances of the word “fool” in Proverbs helps clarify. Proverbs 10:8 mentions a “babbling fool.” One characteristic of a fool is being a constant talker who is not recognized for listening to wisdom (see also 10:10).

Proverbs 10:14 declares, “The mouth of a fool brings ruin near.” This juxtaposes the speech of the fool with the discernment of the wise. A fool disregards learning; they are too preoccupied with talking.

Proverbs 10:18 teaches, “Whoever utters slander is a fool.” The fool tends to speak ill of others rather than being known as an encourager.

Proverbs 10:23 adds that “doing wrong is like a joke to a fool.” A foolish individual does not take sin or its consequences seriously.

Proverbs 12:15 states, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” The fool dismisses others’ advice and instead listens solely to himself.

Proverbs 13:16 points out, “A fool flaunts his folly.” Essentially, a foolish person takes pride in their wrongful actions.

Proverbs 14:16 teaches that “a fool is reckless and careless.” A fool fails to plan ahead but lives without considering the impact of their actions on themselves and others.

Proverbs 15:5 reveals that “a fool despises his father’s instruction.” The foolish individual refuses to heed their parents or follow their guidance. In fact, they reject their father’s words.

Proverbs 26:11 employs emblematic parallelism to vividly depict fools’ behavior: “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.” Fools are known for repeating mistakes rather than learning from past errors.

Often inScripture teaches that a fool is associated with wickedness and a direct denial of God, for example, in Psalm 53:1. Due to God’s infinite wisdom, individuals who neglect God will naturally miss out on wisdom—they will become fools. A fool is someone who disregards the warnings and commands of God, lacking wisdom, showing no concern for others, having no desire to avoid sin, and boasting about sinful actions. The Scripture clearly instructs us to avoid living as fools; instead, we are to fear the Lord, walk in His wisdom, and follow His ways. It is known that “those who walk in wisdom are kept safe” «He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: But whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. », (Proverbs 28:26).