My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. (Ps 38:5)
The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of the fool hastens destruction. (Pv 10:14)
Foolishness brings problems into your life. Nobody wants to think of themselves as a fool but the truth is that we all are fools or foolish at times. Look at the traits of fools in the Bible below and test yourself for foolishness by answering the questions honestly with a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
Do you deny God exists (Ps 53:1)?
The fool says in his heart, “God does not exist.” They are corrupt, and they do vile deeds. (Ps 53:1)
Do you follow God’s Word (Mt 7:24-26)?
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. (Mt 7:24-26 – ESV)
Do you hate knowledge and enjoy foolishness (Pv 1:7; 1:22; 15:14; 15:21)?
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Pv 1:7)
How long, foolish ones, will you love ignorance? How long will you mockers enjoy mocking and you fools hate knowledge? (Pv 1:22)
A discerning mind seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. (Pv 15:14)
Foolishness brings joy to one without sense, but a man with understanding walks a straight path. (Pv 15:21)
Are you complacent (Satisfaction with self, no desire to improve) with yourself (Pv 1:32)?
For the turning away of the inexperienced will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. (Pv 1:32)
Do you act foolishly (Pv 13:16; 10:21)?
Every sensible person acts knowledgeably, but a fool displays his stupidity. (Pv 13:16)
The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. (Pv 10:21)
Do you speak foolishly or shoot off your mouth and opinions (Pv 12:16; 12:23; 14:3; 15:2; 18:2; 18:6-7; 29:11)?
A fool’s displeasure is known at once, but whoever ignores an insult is sensible. (Pv 12:16)
A shrewd person conceals knowledge, but a foolish heart publicizes stupidity. (Pv 12:23)
The proud speech of a fool brings a rod of discipline, but the lips of the wise protect them. (Pv 14:3)
The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness. (Pv 15:2)
A fool does not delight in understanding, but only wants to show off his opinions. (Pv 18:2)
A fool’s lips lead to strife, and his mouth provokes a beating. (Pv 18:6)
A fool’s mouth is his devastation, and his lips are a trap for his life. (Pv 18:7)
A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man holds it in check. (Pv 29:11)
Do you spread slander (Pv 10:18)?
The one who conceals hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool. (Pv 10:18)
Do you enjoy shameful conduct (Pv 10:23)?
As shameful conduct is pleasure for a fool, so wisdom is for a man of understanding. (Pv 10:23)
Do you think your way is always the right way (Pv 12:15)?
A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise. (Pv 12:15)
Do you avoid turning away from evil (Pv 13:19)?
Desire fulfilled is sweet to the taste, but to turn from evil is an abomination to fools. (Pv 13:19)
Do you deceive yourself (Pv 14:8?
The sensible man’s wisdom is to consider his way, but the stupidity of fools deceives them. (Pv 14:8)
Do you tear down your own household and family by your behaviors and decisions (Pv 14:1)?
Every wise woman builds her house, but a foolish one tears it down with her own hands. (Pv 14:1)
Are you easily angered and careless (Pv 14:16)?
A wise man is cautious and turns from evil, but a fool is easily angered and is careless. (Pv 14:16)
Do you hate learning and discipline (Pv 15:5; 16:22)?
A fool despises his father’s discipline, but a person who accepts correction is sensible. (Pv 15:5)
Insight is a fountain of life for its possessor, but the discipline of fools is folly. (Pv 16:22)
Are you always looking for something (scattered, unfocused) without finding it (Pv 17:24)?
Wisdom is the focus of the perceptive, but a fool’s eyes roam to the ends of the earth. (Pv 17:24)
Do you continue to make the same mistakes (Pv 26:11)?
As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness. (Pv 26:11)
Do you trust in yourself (Pv 28:26)?
The one who trusts in himself is a fool, but one who walks in wisdom will be safe. (Pv 28:26)
Are you a pleasure seeker (Pv 7:4)?
The heart of the wise is in a house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in a house of pleasure. (Pv 7:4)
Are you an angry person (Ecc 7:9)?
Don’t let your spirit rush to be angry, for anger abides in the heart of fools. (Ecc 7:9)
Do you live opposite of the wise (Ecc 10:2; 2:14; Pv 21:20)?
A wise man’s heart goes to the right, but a fool’s heart to the left. (Ecc 10:2)
The wise man has eyes in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. Yet I also knew that one fate comes to them both. (Ecc 2:14)
Precious treasure and oil are in the dwelling of a wise person, but a foolish man consumes them. (Pv 21:20)
Examine yourself:
Did you learn anything about yourself?
Are there areas of your life where you act and think foolishly?
Are there triggers (people, places, things) that start you down the road of being foolish?
How can you combat foolishness in the future?
What do you need to change about yourself / pray about?
BIBLE DEVOTIONS FOR LIVING 