FIVE FOOLS

In the Old Testament, the word fool is actually a translation of five different Hebrew words that reflect subtle differences in “types” of fools.

We need to understand the progression of rebellion that is reflected in the Bible’s description of fools.

When we learn to perceive the characteristics of a

simple fool, silly fool, sensual fool, scorning fool, and steadfast fool,

you will be equipped to identify and respond to such fools with wisdom and discernment.

The Simple Fool

opens his mind to any passing thought and opens his arms to any passing stranger.

THE SIMPLE FOOL

• lacks discerment.
• over-simplified view of life.
• fails to recognize the cause-and-effect.
• easily captivated .
• dangerously immature, extremely gullible, and intensely curious.

In the absence of instruction and consistent discipline, the simple fool will naturally become more foolish.

A simple fool is especially vulnerable to seduction, lacking an understanding of the irreversible consequences of moral failure.

The Proverbs provide instruction for the simple fool:

”The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel … give subtlety to the simple [pethîy], to the young man knowledge and discretion” (Proverbs 1:4).

Scorning fools

will seek out simple fools and try to

become their heroes. Therefore, to protect simplek fools from the destructive influence of the scorning fool,

it is critical to bring swift correction to scorning fools. “Smite a scorner, and the simple [pethîy] will beware …” (Proverbs 19:25).

The Silly Fool


The mouth of a silly fool often gets him in trouble.

”Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish [’eviyl] is near destruction” (Proverbs 10:14; see also Proverbs 20:3)

When things go wrong for a silly fool, he becomes angry,

Which results in more damage.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool’s [’eviyl] wrath is heavier than them both” (Proverbs 27:3).

Argument, persuasion, and advice from well-meaning friends fail to convince silly fools of error.

Proper correction by authorities, which publicly shames the silly fool,
will more often be effective in helping him change his ways. (See Proverbs 29:9 and Proverbs 7:22.)

The Sensual fool

One who rejects the correction of parents or other authorities.

He does not have a mental deficiency, but rather rejects the wisdom of God.

The sensual fool’s focus is on that which brings him immediate pleasure.

He glories in that of which he should be ashamed.

”It is as sport to a fool [kecîyl] to do mischief … ” (Proverbs 10:23; see also Proverbs 13:19–20).

A sensual fool is unreasonable.

As a silly fool, his mouth got him into trouble. Now, as a sensual fool, his mouth gets him into more trouble.

”A fool’s [kecîyl] lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes [blows]. A fool’s [kecîyl] mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul” (Proverbs 18:6–7).

Scripture gives more warnings about the sensual fool than about any other type of fool.

His motives and methods are subtle. He should be avoided, because those who follow him will be led astray. “… A companion of fools [kecîyl] shall be destroyed” (Proverbs 13:20).

Severe punishment is prescribed for the sensual fool

”A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s [kecîyl] back” (Proverbs 26:3, Proverbs 19:29).

The Scorning Fool

facial expressions communicate the disdain and contempt he has in his heart toward his authorities, including parents, civil authorities, and God.

This type of fool not only has rejected truth; he also has embraced that which is abominable to God. Psalm 1:1

he expresses his scorn through derisive attitudes, behavior, and speech.

The scorning fool turns a deaf ear to rebuke

”A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner [lûwts] heareth not rebuke” (Proverbs 13:1

A scorner must be punished—for his own sake and for the sake of those whom he can potentially influence.

“Smite a scorner [lûwts], and the simple [pethîy] will beware … ” (Proverbs 19:25).

The Steadfast Fool

The most dangerous type of fool is a steadfast fool.

A steadfast fool totally rejects God and His ways. “The fool [nâbâl] hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt.

they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good” (Psalm 14:1). This type of fool is self-confident and close-minded. He is his own god, freely gratifying his lower nature.

It is his goal to draw as many others as possible into his evil ways.

to reprove him will be futile and
bring frustration to the one who tries to influence him.

Only God can successfully reprove a steadfast fool.