Now that’s a blunt question, isn’t it? I mean no disrespect. Today’s focus seems to be on the foolish, those who focus on folly rather than God. What’s folly? Simply put – it is lack of good sense. It’s not a word we use much these days. In a Biblical sense, a fool is not a person with a low IQ, but rather one who doesn’t have respect for God and often goes the wrong direction in life. Fools could then be rather smart, but not in the ways of the godly.
When we surround ourselves with God-fearing people, trusting them and the truths of the Bible, we are likely not to fall into the foolish category. Thankfully. So, what verse spoke to you in this passage? The “fools” theme is pretty clear. I liked verse 4, “Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.” Bam! I’m not an argumentative person in the first place. But I’ve been witness to plenty of arguments, disagreements, power plays and such. I’ve seen “fools” strutting about trying to make their point. They can be convincing to those who are “weak.”
If we are weak and not filling our minds with the truth of the Bible or spending time being refreshed in God’s presence, we open ourselves up for folly. The antidote for folly is fear of the Lord. How strong are you? Who do you see when you look in the mirror? Do you need to be spending more time filling your heart and soul with God’s truth?
To spot a fool, you simply need to observe them, the way they talk and certainly what they believe. A fool will talk a lot and be very proud of their own ideas. A fool will anger easily, especially when challenged. A fool will belittle others to make himself/herself look better. A fool will debate all day long and resent authority. A fool does not live by the truths of the Bible.
What can we do? Be careful in our associations. Sometimes it’s hard to avoid the fools around us. What we can control is our response to them. We don’t need to engage with them. That will only encourage their behavior and suck us into their folly.
While I understand what this proverb is saying, there’s a part of me that wants to help them see the folly of their ways. However, that would be a slippery slope. The likelihood of being able to change their mindset by anything I could say or do is unlikely. That’s why we must take care to not encourage them by entering into their arguments. If we must, we can make a single statement of truth and walk away. Let God direct our path and use our words. If we feel led by the Spirit to make such declaration, let it be with the love of Jesus in our hearts.
Let’s pray … Lord, I do not want to be a fool. Help me fill my heart and mind with your truths so I can stand strong when the foolish begin to spout their empty words. Give me discernment to spot those who are foolish. Give me the words to say when the time is right. Thank you for your Word and the guidance you give us each day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
