The Fool in Proverbs

1. Garrulous
‘The mouth of the fool gushes folly’ (Proverbs 15:2)
2. Reckless
‘A fool is hotheaded and reckless’ (Proverbs 14:16)
3. Gullible
‘A simple man believes anything’ (Proverbs 14:15)
4. Trouble-maker
He ‘deceives his neighbour and says, “I was only joking!”‘ (Proverbs 26:19)
5. Always right (in his own eyes)
‘A fool…delights in airing his own opinions.’ (Proverbs 18:2)
6. Unteachable
‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline’ (Proverbs 1:7)
7. Self-deceived
‘Wise in his own eyes’ (Proverbs 26:12)
‘There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.’ (Proverbs 14:12)
In conclusion
It is easy (and fun!) to spot these traits in others. But let’s look in the mirror. Are there not elements of these traits in all of us?
Let us choose the way of wisdom, rather than the way of folly (Prov 9, Mt 7:26f).