The book of Proverbs was written for the one who wants “to receive instruction in wise behavior” (Prov 1:2). In order to develop wise behavior, however, it is important to avoid foolish behavior. A large portion of Solomon’s instructions warn us against the snare of folly. “The fool” is a prominent character in Proverbs, mentioned over 60 times. By looking at God’s description of the fool over the next few weeks, we can better equip ourselves to develop the character of wisdom in our lives.
The most obvious characteristic of the fool is his lack of knowledge. Webster defines a fool as, “one deficient in judgment, sense, or understanding… one who acts unwisely.” The first two mentions of the fool in Proverbs tell us he “despises wisdom and instruction” (Prov 1:7) and “hates knowledge” (Prov 1:22). Folly and wisdom are clearly on opposites ends of the spectrum.
The fool’s lack of wisdom is not simply caused by a learning problem or inexperience, however. “A fool despises his father’s instruction…” (Prov 15:5). He abhors the idea of wisdom and refuses to accept correction. The fool’s scorn for instruction is the foundation on which all his other folly is built. If he would only soften his heart “to receive instruction in wise behavior” (Prov 1:2), he could escape the snare of folly.
Yet even when punished, the fool will not relent from his folly. “Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool” (Prov 17:10). A single warning is sufficient to get the attention of the wise, but even the severest punishment will not penetrate the thick skull of the fool. “Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his foolishness will not depart from him” (Prov 27:22).
This resistance to correction is motivated by a much deeper heart problem. Pride is too engrained in his character to heed discipline. When faced with punishment “a wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident” (Prov 14:16). No amount of instruction or correction can convince him of his error. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes...” (Prov 12:15). He is too set in his ways to consider changing.
In addition to learning from instruction and correction, it’s also possible to gain wisdom through experience. The fool, however, is resistant to all three. He will not follow instruction, he will not yield to correction, and he will not learn from his mistakes. “As a dog returns to his own vomit, so a fool repeats his folly” (Prov 26:11).
If we want to avoid the fate of the fool, we must humbly “receive instruction in wise behavior” (Prov 1:2). We must always have open ears to correction and be quick to admit our mistakes. Pride is the number one opponent of wisdom. “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him” (Prov 26:12).