Key Verse: "But I say unto you, That
whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger
of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be
in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be
in danger of hell fire."
- Matthew 5:22 KJV
Our Key Verse above notes we are not to call a person a fool. However, the Bible speaks often about the fool—not to mock or demean, but to warn us. A “fool” in Scripture is not merely someone lacking intelligence, but someone who rejects wisdom, despises correction, and turns away from God’s truth. The sobering words of Scripture remind us to avoid the path of foolishness and instead walk in wisdom.
1. A Fool Rejects God
“The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.”
— Psalm 14:1 (KJV)
The foundation of all foolishness is a heart that denies God. To live as if God does not exist is to walk in darkness. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10).
2. A Fool Despises Instruction
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”
— Proverbs 12:15 (KJV)
Fools resist correction and believe their own way is best. In contrast, the wise are humble, willing to listen, and ready to grow. God calls us to a teachable spirit, one that receives His Word and the counsel of the righteous.
3. A Fool Loves to Talk, but Not to Learn
“A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.”
— Proverbs 18:6 (KJV)
“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.”
— Proverbs 18:2 (KJV)
Fools often reveal themselves by their words—quarreling, boasting, or speaking without knowledge. Scripture reminds us that “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).
4. A Fool Returns to Sin
“As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.”
— Proverbs 26:11 (KJV)
Fools repeat their mistakes, unwilling to learn from failure. True repentance leads us away from sin toward God’s mercy and cleansing. Wisdom calls us to leave behind the old ways and walk in newness of life (2 Corinthians 5:17).
5. God Calls Us to Choose Wisdom
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”
— Ephesians 5:15–16 (KJV)
As believers, we are not left to our own strength. God’s Word equips us to live wisely, making the most of our time, guided by His Spirit.
