Are We Raising Fools

Proverbs 10:1 ; 15:20 ; 17:25

In these verses we see very similar wording in regard to raising wise children or not having foolish children. In Proverbs 22:6 we see a direct connection to how we train our children and characteristics that they may have when they are grown. Therefore, if we do not want to raise foolish children we should note some of the characteristics that are given for fools and avoid those in our lives so that we do not train them into our children.

Characteristics of a Fool:

1)  He that uttereth a slander is a fool (Proverbs 10:18)

• Slander is defined as, a false tale or report that is told in order to injure the reputation of a person in the eyes of others.
• Unfortunately, we have all done this many times.

2)  Despises instruction (Proverbs 15:5)

• One of the mains reasons for this is because he is right in his own eyes (Proverbs 12:15)

3)  Will be meddling (Proverbs 20:3)

• Here we should take note of the illustration that Solomon gives for meddling (Proverbs 26:17)

4)  Returns to his folly (Proverbs 26:11)

• This is most likely one of the grossest illustrations of a fool, but we must think when we are foolish this is what it is like.
• Folly is defined as weakness of intellect; or want of understanding.
• Note Proverbs 18:1-2 regarding fools and understanding, remembering that understanding is to depart of evil (Job 28:28) and knowledge of the Holy (Proverbs 9:10)

5)  Trusts his own heart (Proverbs 28:26)

• We must remember that our heart is deceitful and desperately wicked that is why we should not trust our own heart.

6)  Speaks all his mind (Proverbs 29:11)

• This is why the New Testament tells us to study to be quiet (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
• Also Proverbs 17:28 is a good commentary on this verse.