WHO IS A FOOL?
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Psalm 14:1
Supporting Texts: Proverbs 1:7, Luke 12:16–21, Proverbs 10:23, Ecclesiastes 10:2-3
INTRODUCTION:
In Scripture, the term “fool” is not a mere insult or a label for unintelligent people — it is a spiritual condition. A fool is someone who rejects the knowledge, fear, and authority of God in thought, word, or action. Psalm 14:1 makes a bold declaration: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” This doesn’t only refer to verbal atheists, but to anyone who lives as if God does not matter.
Biblically, foolishness is a moral and spiritual problem, not just an intellectual one. A fool is one who despises wisdom, ignores counsel, mocks correction, and lives in rebellion. Sadly, foolishness is not limited to the ungodly — even believers can walk in foolishness when they abandon godly instruction.
This study seeks to uncover what God says about fools, the characteristics of a fool, and how we can avoid becoming or remaining one. Wisdom is a choice, and so is foolishness. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom — and that is the cure to foolishness.
1. A FOOL REJECTS GOD AND HIS WORD
A person is considered a fool not necessarily because they deny God's existence with their lips, but because they live as though He does not exist.
a) Denies God in the heart: Psalm 14:1 describes the fool as saying in his heart, “There is no God.”
b) Despises instruction: Proverbs 1:7 says fools despise wisdom and discipline.
c) Mocks at sin and judgment: Proverbs 14:9 shows fools make a mock at sin, failing to understand its consequences.
d) Refuses to acknowledge God's truth: Romans 1:21–22 speaks of people who, professing to be wise, became fools by turning away from God.
Biblical Example:
The rich fool in Luke 12:16–21 lived as if God did not exist. He planned for his earthly life but ignored his soul. God called him a fool because he was not rich toward God.
2. A FOOL HATES CORRECTION AND LOVES IGNORANCE
One mark of foolishness is the inability to receive correction. Fools resist growth because they resist being taught.
a) Despises rebuke: Proverbs 15:5 says a fool despises his father’s instruction.
b) Thinks they are always right: Proverbs 12:15 says the way of a fool is right in his own eyes.
c) Hates knowledge: Proverbs 1:22 describes fools as those who hate knowledge.
d) Rejects wise counsel: Proverbs 10:8 says a fool falls through foolish talking and ignores wise advice.
Biblical Example:
King Rehoboam refused the counsel of the elders and listened to foolish young men, which led to the division of the kingdom (1 Kings 12:6–19).
3. A FOOL SPEAKS WITHOUT THINKING
Words are powerful, and the way a person talks reveals what is in their heart. A fool is often exposed by their speech.
a) Talks too much and listens too little: Ecclesiastes 5:3 says a fool’s voice is known by multitude of words.
b) Speaks carelessly and causes strife: Proverbs 18:6–7 says a fool’s lips invite quarrels and destruction.
c) Lies and slanders easily: Proverbs 10:18 says a fool spreads slander.
d) Lacks restraint in speech: Proverbs 29:11 says a fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.
Biblical Example:
Nabal, whose name literally means “fool,” spoke harshly to David’s men without thinking, leading to a near-disaster (1 Samuel 25:2–38).
4. A FOOL LIVES FOR SELF AND TEMPORARY PLEASURES
Fools are shortsighted. They live for the now and ignore the eternal. Their pleasures blind them from reality.
a) Delights in sin: Proverbs 10:23 says it is as sport to a fool to do mischief.
b) Puts confidence in wealth or strength: Proverbs 28:26 says he who trusts in his own heart is a fool.
c) Neglects spiritual priorities: Ecclesiastes 10:3 says even when a fool walks on the road, he lacks sense.
d) Lives without purpose or accountability: Ephesians 5:15–17 encourages us not to live as fools but as wise, redeeming the time.
Biblical Example:
Esau foolishly sold his birthright for a single meal, showing how little he valued spiritual things in favour of temporary pleasure (Genesis 25:29–34).
CONCLUSION:
The Bible is very clear on the characteristics and consequences of foolishness. A fool lives without the fear of God, resists correction, speaks recklessly, and values temporary pleasure over eternal truth. But God does not want us to remain fools. He offers wisdom freely to all who ask (James 1:5).
It is time to examine our hearts. Are we walking in the wisdom of God, or are we playing the fool? The difference between a wise man and a fool is in their response to God. Choose wisdom — choose life!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from every form of foolishness in my heart and life.
2. Father, give me a heart that fears and honours You above all else.
3. I receive grace to love wisdom and embrace correction.
4. Let my words be seasoned with wisdom and guided by the Holy Spirit.
5. Lord, help me to walk purposefully and not waste my life in foolishness.
