The scriptures compare and contrast foolishness with wisdom in order to help us to see the difference and, hopefully, to choose the way of wisdom. Fools may appear confident and assertive, yet their confidence often rests on their own understanding rather than on God’s truth.
A Fool Loves to be intrigued
It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5
Fools may have no issue with slandering someone, yet they can also be easily intrigued by a person. Their focus is primarily on themselves and their own feelings, rather than on building a healthy community. Consequently, they tend to say or do whatever pleases them in the moment and serves their immediate needs. It’s important not to become overly excited about their behavior until they’ve been tested by time and circumstances, revealing their true character under pressure. Will they resort to venting on someone, or will they demonstrate self-restraint?”
This verse from Ecclesiastes reminds us of the value of constructive criticism and guidance from those who are wise and experienced. Sometimes, it’s tempting to surround ourselves with people who only offer praise or tell us what we want to hear, akin to the “song of fools.” However, true growth often comes from listening to feedback, even if it’s difficult to hear at times. The rebuke of the wise may sting momentarily, but it can lead to greater understanding, improvement, and wisdom in the long run.
Self expression is very important
A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident. Proverbs 14:16
A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. Proverbs 18:2
Fools may appear strong and confident, but their confidence stems solely from their own knowledge and abilities. While they might occasionally quote the Bible, their understanding is superficial rather than spiritual. Since fools are not actively seeking true wisdom and understanding, they may fervently argue for their own perspective and selectively use Bible verses to bolster their arguments. Instead of deriving their beliefs from the Bible, they often use it as a tool to validate their existing viewpoints. Furthermore, they may present their personal opinions as if they were doctrinal truths, masking them with a few scriptures.
We should be careful not to automatically accept a viewpoint as truth or doctrine simply because we agree with it. It’s essential to thoroughly examine the Bible and confirm its scriptural basis. At times, we should even challenge ourselves by seeking out scriptures that present different perspectives to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the Bible within its full context, rather than isolating one verse from the rest of God’s Word.
How are you doing in your relationships with others? Are they wise people? Can you identify a fool? Do you heed the above verses in order not to get trapped into a fool behavior?
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