Fools/Foolishness: If the theme of Proverbs is wisdom then the converse is foolishness. Much of Proverbs is written in this form – stating a wise way of living followed by its opposite. Often understanding what something is, can be enhanced by stating what it is not. Proverbs has about as much to say about fools and foolish living, as it does about wise people and wise living.
What does God’s word mean by the words fool and foolish? Proverbs identifies a fool as one who lives according to his own understanding rather than God’s (12:15; 14:12). Proverbs is constantly trying to convince us to abandon our own understanding and adopt God’s (3:5-7). It is the very essence of foolishness to think that our views and our way of living is superior to God’s.
If you identify with this description of foolishness, what can you do about it? First, repent (9:6). Second, learn the way of wisdom (9:9-10), recalling that it is the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom (9:10). With this as a foundation, study Proverbs diligently for the wisdom found there for walking in God’s way and don’t forget the rest of scripture, which imparts wisdom found in Christ.
