Topical Encyclopedia
Fool:In the Bible, the term "fool" is often used to describe a person who lacks wisdom, discernment, and reverence for God. The characteristics of a fool are outlined in various passages, highlighting behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to godly wisdom.
1.
Denial of God: A fundamental trait of the fool is the denial of God's existence and authority.
Psalm 14:1 states, "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.' They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good."
2.
Lack of Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs frequently contrasts the fool with the wise.
Proverbs 1:7 notes, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline."
3.
Reckless Speech: Fools are often characterized by their careless and harmful words.
Proverbs 18:6-7 says, "A fool’s lips bring strife, and his mouth invites a beating. A fool’s mouth is his ruin, and his lips are a snare to his soul."
4.
Stubbornness and Unteachability: Fools resist correction and instruction.
Proverbs 12:15 states, "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel."
5.
Quick to Anger: Fools are often quick-tempered and prone to anger.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 advises, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool."
6.
Engagement in Sinful Behavior: Fools are depicted as engaging in sinful and destructive behaviors.
Proverbs 10:23 notes, "The fool delights in shameful conduct, but a man of understanding has wisdom."
7.
Lack of Prudence: Fools fail to foresee danger and take precautions.
Proverbs 22:3 states, "The prudent see danger and take cover, but the simple keep going and suffer the consequences."
Noble:The noble person, in contrast to the fool, is characterized by wisdom, integrity, and a reverence for God. The Bible provides a portrait of nobility through various attributes and behaviors that align with godly principles.
1.
Fear of the Lord: A noble person begins with a reverence for God, which is the foundation of wisdom.
Proverbs 9:10 declares, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."
2.
Wisdom and Understanding: Nobility is marked by the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."
3.
Righteous Speech: The noble person speaks with wisdom and grace.
Proverbs 10:32 says, "The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse."
4.
Teachability and Humility: Nobility involves a willingness to learn and accept correction.
Proverbs 9:9 advises, "Instruct a wise man, and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man, and he will increase his learning."
5.
Patience and Self-Control: A noble person exercises patience and self-control.
Proverbs 16:32 states, "He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city."
6.
Righteous Living: Nobility is demonstrated through righteous and upright living.
Proverbs 11:5 notes, "The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness."
7.
Prudence and Foresight: A noble person is prudent and plans wisely for the future.
Proverbs 14:8 states, "The wisdom of the prudent is to discern his way, but the folly of fools deceives them."
The Bible's portrayal of the fool and the noble serves as a guide for believers, encouraging them to pursue wisdom and godliness while avoiding the pitfalls of folly.
