Terms referring to the lack of wisdom. In general, a fool in the Bible is a person who lives life as if God and God’s will were of no consequence: “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God’” (
Ps 14:1;
Ps 53:1;
Prov 1:7). Fools can be recognized by various characteristics: lack of intelligence or experience, sometimes without being aware of it (
Prov 12:15;
Eccl 5:1;
Luke 12:20); an inability to be cautious in speech (
Prov 18:6-7); or pursuing courses of conduct or action that ultimately prove to be harmful (
2Sam 24:10). In
Matt 5:22, however, Jesus warns that anyone who calls a brother or sister a “fool” is in danger of eternal punishment.
Ps 14:1
Denunciation of Godlessness
To the leader. Of David.
1Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds;
there is no one ... View more
Ps 53:1
Denunciation of Godlessness
To the leader: according to Mahalath. A Maskil of David.
1Fools say in their hearts, “There is no God.”
They are corrupt, they commi ... View more
Prov 1:7
7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge;
fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Prov 12:15
15Fools think their own way is right,
but the wise listen to advice.
Eccl 5:1
Reverence, Humility, and Contentment
1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God; to draw near to listen is better than the sacrifice offered by fools; f ... View more
Luke 12:20
20But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’
Prov 18:6-7
6A fool's lips bring strife,
and a fool's mouth invites a flogging.7The mouths of fools are their ruin,
and their lips a snare to themselves.
2Sam 24:10
Judgment on David's Sin
10But afterward, David was stricken to the heart because he had numbered the people. David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in w ... View more
Matt 5:22
22But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to ... View more
