Text: Proverbs 26:11-12
A fool is one who acts foolishly. He continues in his folly even though it ought to be seen as repulsive. Yet there is hope for a fool. He may eventually realize his folly and change, yet changing requires a recognition of the problem. We would hope that all who would act foolishly would change – even if we may be the fool at times. One may be foolish simply because he does not know better. He has an opportunity to learn and become wise. Yet to remain in foolishness after being exposed to the truth requires arrogance (these go together). In this lesson, we’re going to consider a few people who are identified as fools in the Bible.
The One Who Says There Is No God (Psalm 14:1)
- This is foolish because of the evidence for the existence of God – the creation proves that God exists (Psalm 19:1-3; cf. Hebrews 3:4); there is no excuse for not recognizing the existence of God (Romans 1:20)
- This is arrogant because it presumes that nothing is unknown to him – difference between atheism and agnosticism; such arrogance leads to sin; people reject God because of wickedness (Psalm 14:1-3; cf. Romans 1:18-19)
The One Who Trusts in His Own Heart (Proverbs 28:26)
- This is foolish because our heart often leads us astray – the heart is deceitful (Jeremiah 17:9); to “follow our heart” leads to death (cf. Proverbs 14:12)
- This is arrogant because it supposes that we have nothing to learn from others – others have experience and wisdom that we need; we need to learn from them (Proverbs 13:20)
The One Who Rejects His Father’s Discipline (Proverbs 15:5)
- This is foolish because one will miss out on the benefit of parental instruction – generally, the instructions from fathers is for our good (Proverbs 3:1-4); even discipline is beneficial (Hebrews 12:9-11)
- This is arrogant because it assumes that one knows more than his father – we must be constantly growing (cf. 1 Peter 2:2); even bad examples can teach us something (Ezekiel 18:14)
The One Who Hears but Does Not Obey (Matthew 7:26-29)
- This is foolish because Jesus is the one with authority – He knows more than anyone else what is good and right; He is the way (John 14:6)
- This is arrogant because it declares that our way is better than the Lord’s way – man cannot contend with God (Job 40:2); His way is best and we must humbly obey (James 1:21-22)
The One Who Trusts in Earthly Things (Luke 12:16-20)
- This is foolish because earthly things are temporary – riches are uncertain (1 Timothy 6:17); at best, we will leave them to someone else (1 Timothy 6:7; Ecclesiastes 2:18-19)
- This is arrogant because it causes us to think that we are in control – our life is a vapor (James 4:14); we need to store up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21)
Conclusion
- The point of this lesson is not to see who we can label as a fool – instead, it is to examine ourselves to see if we have been a fool; if so, repent; do not arrogantly remain where you are
- There is hope for the fool (Proverbs 26:12) – but we must turn away from our folly and follow the Lord
[Adapted from a sermon outline by J. C. Choate.]
