There are few things in life as exasperating as foolishness. The attributes that combine to make a fool are distinctly human, lack wisdom, and are typically embedded with sin. To varying degrees all of humanity is guilty, and none of us can honestly claim to have escaped the clutches of foolishness.
The zenith of foolishness is catalogued in Scripture by David, the fool says in his heart, “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1a). In the Hebrew text of which this was written, the words “There is” do not exist. The more accurate reading of Psalm 14:1 is, the fool says in his heart, “no God.” Defiance towards God marks the height of foolishness. It makes perfect sense therefore, that David continues in Psalm 14:1b, they are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good. Disobedience to God only produces more sin with increasing indifference to the Lord. As Paul explains in Romans 1:22, claiming to be wise, they became fools.
David later stretches this truth out in Psalm 92:6-7 NIV, senseless people do not know, fools do not understand, 7 that though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be destroyed forever. This brief life eventually comes to an end, then we are engulfed in eternity. Fools who prosper according to worldly standards deceive themselves into thinking they are safe for eternity because of the luxuries enjoyed on earth while separated from God. But God says this is NOT true. Instead, they face an eternity of hellish destruction, remaining separate from God, which is how they preferred to live on earth.
When God invited Solomon to ask for anything, Solomon answered, give me an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil… (1 Kings 3:9). Solomon realised that he lacked spiritual discernment, having no ability to discriminate between good and evil. Solomon knew also that his inability to detect and correctly respond to good and evil would impact upon the nation he was leader of – Israel. God’s response to Solomon’s request was, I give you a wise and discerning mind (1 Kings 3:12).
It’s not surprising then, that Solomon begins His book on wisdom by saying, the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7). For the LORD gives wisdom (Proverbs 2:6), and like Solomon, we too are dependent upon the Lord as our source of wisdom. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil (Proverbs 3:7). Sin will seduce you through foolish decisions into disobedience and isolation from God.
In 1 Corinthians 4:10, Paul gives the ONLY acceptable case for wise foolishness. Speaking on behalf of the apostles, Paul says, we are fools for Christ’s sake. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 NIV, do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.
Wisdom, forgiveness, peace, joy, hope, security, and eternal life wait for those willing to become obedient fools for Christ. If you have never repented, and never turned your life over to Christ as Lord, I encourage you to do that right now. Romans 10:9-10, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes and is justified (declared innocent), and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
