Characteristics of a Fool

Psalm 14:1

The verse for this study is a famous verse and is quoted many times. It is basically saying that you are a fool if you think believe there is no God. Many are offended by this verse and therefore do everything they can to prove that there is no God. Notice that this leads to a characteristic of a fool.

“A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself” (Proverbs 18:2)

There are two great definitions for understanding given in the Bible and they will go perfectly with this illustration. In Proverbs 9:10 understanding is said to be knowledge of the holy, and in Job 28:28 understanding is departing from evil. Obviously if you say there is no God you will not have knowledge of the holy, and if you have no knowledge of the holy how can you know what is evil let alone depart from it.

If you are saved, then you might be thinking that you are no fool because you do believe in God but in the book of Proverbs, we will see some of the other characteristics that are given to fools. Remember it is possible to be saved and still be a fool.

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.

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.

Let us consider these characteristics and examine ourselves by them to see if we would qualify as fools even though we are saved.

Characteristics of a Fool : Handout

Psalm 14:1

1)  What is the main thought from Psalm 14:1?

2)  What is a good definition for understanding?

3)  Give some characteristics of fool from the book of Proverbs.