Chuck Swindoll Defines Fool

Chuck Swindoll defines fool

this way from his book, Living on the Ragged Edge:

“Folly is a term we don’t use that often, but it is a term used rather frequently in Scripture. It suggests a lack of good sense, lack of foresight, failing to realize the consequences of a stupid act before it occurs. Scripture calls that ‘folly’ or ‘foolishness.’ And it can happen in our day just as it happened in Solomon’s day” (pg, 287).

“The fool is not only characterized by deception, mockery, and the ‘sport’ of wickedness (see Proverbs 14:8, 9; 10:23; 15:21), his entire inner person ‘rages against the Lord’ (Proverbs 19:3).I call that a serious thing to deal with” (pg. 300, 301).

He adds: Perhaps it will relieve you a great deal of anxiety to know that no amount of arguing, persuading, pleading, threatening, or even throwing profanity back at the fool will change him or her. Bargaining won’t work either. Logic will break down. Tears will not be effective. Strong discipline won’t even work once the fool gets old enough. Proverbs often says that the rod on the back of the fool seems to be more a waste than a help. The fool must learn in a very, very stern and severe manner-usually over a lengthy period of time-not to be foolish” (pg. 301)